Srinagar, May 02 (KNO): Asserting that some drug traffickers might be building narco-palaces and becoming economically prosperous, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reiterated that most of the money generated through this trade ends up fuelling terrorism and radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to selected group of reporters at Lok Bhavan here ahead of a mega ‘padyatra’ on Sunday as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyaan’, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Narcotics trade in Jammu and Kashmir has a direct link with terrorism. The administration is stepping up efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb rising addiction among youth.”
“Narcotics proceeds are often channelled into terror activities. Drug traffickers may appear to prosper, but that money ultimately fuels terrorism, violence and radicalization,” he said.
LG Sinha said, “We need to build more rehabilitation centres. But those cannot be built immediately, so, in the rehabilitation centres that exist, arrangements are being made for their (victims) treatment. The Health Department has been instructed that both OPD and IPD facilities should be sufficiently available for such people in our hospitals.”
He said the administration is working on a three-year monitoring programme for the rehabilitation of victims. “We are also creating a detailed rehabilitation plan, so that if someone gets into drug addiction and then gets out, we can track them for three years and make complete arrangements for their rehabilitation,” he added.
LG Sinha said, “Despite sustained efforts since 2021 under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the scale of drug abuse particularly among young men and women remains a serious concern.”
“We have achieved some success, but not to the extent we had hoped. The increasing addiction among youth is worrying and demands collective action,” he said.
The LG said the administration has adopted a three-pronged strategy targeting supply chains, expanding awareness at the grassroots and ensuring treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
LG Sinha said a 100-day intensified campaign launched across J&K has witnessed large-scale public participation, with lakhs of people, including youth, women, religious leaders, civil society members and political groups, joining the movement.
On enforcement, he said strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been put in place, warning that those involved in drug trafficking will face stringent action under the NDPS Act. Measures include cancellation of driving licences, seizure of vehicles, freezing of bank accounts, attachment of properties and recommendations for passport cancellation.
“Lookout notices are being issued against absconders and the entire network is being targeted to break the supply chain,” he added.
The LG also said authorities are monitoring de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to ensure proper facilities, warning that non-compliant centres will face closure. He added that hospitals have been directed to strengthen OPD and IPD services for addiction treatment.
Pertinently, LG Sinha launched a 100-day campaign in J&K on April 11 this year from MA Stadium in Jammu. So far, foot marches have taken place in eight districts of Jammu division. “I feel that in 21 days, its widespread impact is visible. Roughly, more than 50- 60 lakh people have participated in various campaigns so far. There has also been a significant increase in the registration of cases in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, and these actions are also being carried out very effectively,” he said.
Stressing awareness, LG Sinha said the campaign is being taken to every district, village and household, encouraging families to come forward and seek help without stigma.
As part of the campaign, the LG would lead a foot march to Lal Chowk on Sunday from the astroturf football stadium at TRC Chowk in Srinagar. “I urge people from all sections of society to participate in large numbers and make this campaign a success,” he said.
Calling it a “people’s movement,” the LG urged media, community leaders and citizens to actively contribute. “When the strength of society, enforcement of law and administrative resolve come together, we can decisively defeat this menace,” he said—(KNO)