Srinagar, May 2 (JKNS): The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir is directly linked to terrorism and expressed serious concern over the increasing number of youth falling prey to substance abuse.
Speaking to media persons, LG Sinha, as per news agency JKNS, said, “In 2020, the Prime Minister launched the Drug-Free India Campaign across the country. Later, the Home Minister also held several meetings to accelerate it. It was observed that many young boys and girls were falling prey to drugs. This was a matter of great concern. I believe that the drug trafficking here is directly linked to terrorism. We have launched a 100-Day Drug-Free India Campaign with a strategy in place.”
He said that Jammu and Kashmir has been actively implementing the campaign with a structured plan. “We are working to stop drug supply, raise awareness about it in villages and homes, and provide treatment and rehabilitation to those affected by this addiction. Everyone is cooperating in this effort. Drug stores are also being searched. Arrangements are being made for good de-addiction centers for people’s treatment,” he added.
Highlighting rehabilitation efforts, LG Sinha said the administration is preparing a long-term mechanism to support recovered individuals. “We are also preparing a comprehensive plan for rehab so that if someone has overcome drug addiction, we can track them for three years and provide support. This can be achieved with everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
Emphasising public participation, he said the campaign is receiving encouraging support from various sections of society. “I urge everyone to contribute fully to this campaign. We are also seeking suggestions from people, and I am glad that people are providing suggestions in large numbers. I am confident that we will take this campaign to every district and panchayat in Kashmir on a large scale,” he said.
Announcing a major awareness event, LG Sinha said, “Tomorrow, on the 3rd, we will start a march from Lal Chowk. I appeal to everyone to join us,” underlining the importance of collective efforts in making the campaign successful.
He further said, “PM started the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ in 2020 across India. We have also tried to fight addiction in Jammu and Kashmir, and we have even got some success with the help of the administration, the police, and the people. Many youths are coming under the influence of drugs, which is a serious matter. I think that the drug racket here is linked with terrorism.”
He added that a focused strategy is being implemented under the campaign. “We started a 100-day campaign in J&K from 11 April. We are operating our plans in three phases: first to destroy the supply chain, second to spread awareness to each and every individual, and third to provide treatment and rehabilitation for those who fell victim to addiction. Everyone has come out in support of this initiative,” he said. (JKNS)