KISHTWAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday asserted that security and law enforcement agencies are systematically dismantling narcotics networks across the Union Territory, warning that there will be “no mercy” for drug smugglers and narco-terrorists involved in destroying the future of the youth.
Addressing a public rally in Kishtwar as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration is targeting every link in the narcotics supply chain, from cross-border smugglers and local peddlers to terror financiers.
“We are breaking the chain of the drug trade at every single link. Whether it is cross-border smugglers, peddlers or terror financiers, there is no safe haven. Our agencies are hunting down every narco-terrorist and permanently dismantling their networks,” Manoj Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that over the past 56 days, citizens from all sections of society have participated in anti-drug campaigns across Jammu and Kashmir, sharing the pain of affected families and encouraging youth to stay away from substance abuse.
“Our goal is to foster a grassroots resistance against drug abuse and end narco-terrorism,” he said.
The campaign has so far covered 19 districts across the Union Territory, with authorities seeking to build a mass movement against drug abuse and trafficking.
“For 56 days I have pursued a single mission of eliminating every drug smuggler and narco-terrorist from this land. Narco-terrorists and drug smugglers, whether in Pulwama or Ramban, Kulgam or Kishtwar, must understand this truth that there will be no mercy for those who ruin the future of our young generation,” he said.
Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards narco-terrorism.
While reiterating support for rehabilitation and recovery programmes for drug addicts, the Lieutenant Governor drew a distinction between victims of addiction and those profiting from the narcotics trade.
“We are ensuring that drug addicts who seek a path to recovery are provided all possible assistance and brought back to the mainstream with compassion and dignity. But compassion cannot be wasted on narco-terrorists who profit from others’ ruin and thrive on destruction,” he said.
He emphasized that strict action would continue against those involved in narcotics trafficking, while innocent citizens would be protected.
“My objective is very clear that ruthless action will be taken against narco-terrorists while unwavering protection will be ensured for the innocent,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said that although the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign is planned as a 100-day initiative, the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism will continue far beyond that period.
“It is a war of years, not a battle of weeks. Victory demands a unified, round-the-clock commitment. By mobilising a whole-of-society approach, we will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir’s soil is completely cleared of drug smugglers and drug peddlers,” he said.
Referring to interactions with youth during padyatras across Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said he had witnessed many young people overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives.
“During the padyatra across Jammu Kashmir, I have witnessed the incredible courage of young men and women breaking the shackles of addiction to reclaim their lives. That is why we cannot fail. This campaign is a matter of the soul of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the role of educational institutions, local bodies, religious leaders and civil society organisations in strengthening community resistance against drug abuse.
“Our teachers, Panchayat Mahila Samitis, religious leaders and civil society groups are the torchbearers of this movement, standing united to ensure the shadow of addiction never finds a foothold in Kishtwar and across Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Calling the campaign a defining moment for the future of the region’s youth, Manoj Sinha said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have sent a clear message that narco-terrorists and drug traffickers will not be allowed to operate in the Union Territory.
“The people have spoken with one voice that narco-terrorists must be driven from this land,” he added.
