Srinagar, May 12 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday joined the ‘Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir’ campaign in Baramulla town, engaging with citizens and participating in a Padyatra.

The L-G also announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the campaign for the next 69 days — the Community Immunisation Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, L-G Sinha said that “just as we have taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create Community Immunisation initiative against drugs in 5 to 10 high-risk hotspot areas per district”.

“I urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will deliver real results, acting like an early warning system, monitoring hotspots while building them into fully drug-free zones.”

“The second pillar is the Family Fortress Initiative, which will rely on the strong family and community bonds for the ultimate shield against drug addiction,” the L-G added.

“Over the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu and Kashmir should host a weekly family dialogue on drugs. These dialogues should be open, honest paired with local campaign audits to spot and fix gaps,” he said.

He highlighted that in the past 31 days, more than 2,35,000 awareness and outreach events have been held across Jammu and Kashmir.

“More than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action has been taken against the drug supply chain.”

“Action has targeted every financial transaction of drug cartels, seizing crores in properties built from drug money by major smugglers. Across Jammu and Kashmir divisions, 300 driving licenses and more than 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation,” the L-G said.

“Enforcement agencies have ensured massive drug hauls. We have inspected more than 3,300 drug stores, and 150 licenses have been suspended for violating the norms. Nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras are now installed at the drug stores across the Union Territory.”

“Over two dozen smugglers have been nabbed under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS Act). I assure the people that we will chase every rupee, every asset, and shell company of drug traffickers, ensuring the harshest punishment for those who are destroying our youth’s future,” L-G Sinha added.

He said that fuelled by public support, this people’s movement is setting historic records in Jammu and Kashmir and no past social campaign has seen such massive participation.

“We have received nearly 3,000 calls for tele-Manas counselling and support in the past 31 days. I want our response to drugs to be rooted in science. We don’t shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer victims through stigma.”

“Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society’s mainstream through resolve and compassion. Government officials and citizens must unite for surveillance, rally against drugs, and foster drug-free villages and towns,” the L-G added.

–IANS

sq/khz