Srinagar, May 13 (IANS) Leading the anti-drug campaign from the front, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Wednesday joined the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ march in Kupwara town.

The Lieutenant Governor also addressed a public gathering and said that over the past 32 days, the civil and police administration had struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem and this people’s movement was transforming into a revolution against narcotics.

“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the LG said.

He said that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support.

“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighbourhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu Kashmir.

“This fight against drugs is a long one. For decades, people in Jammu and Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. They are not two problems but they are the two heads of the same snake.

“One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism. Our terrorist neighbour is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He further observed that drug smuggling is destroying families and communities and it is providing terror groups their oxygen. He said by dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror.

“In Kupwara and Handwara areas combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

It is pertinent to mention that every police station in Kupwara has been directed to gather full details on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their areas and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha also urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in an awareness drive. He also emphasised on rehabilitation and asked the officers and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as a victim trapped in the dark web of narcotics.

“Drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream. Senior officials must ensure swift action on every complaint and tip coming through the Manas portal and toll-free number.

“This has to be done with commitment. Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress”, he said.

He challenged those criticising the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ and said that they should name just one innocent person who was unfairly targeted and effective action will be taken. He said if anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves should they face the consequences or not?

The Lieutenant Governor said that people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm and they want stringent action against drug smugglers and when the people unite, no force can stop us.

“In the days ahead, our crackdown against drug smuggling network will grow tougher and more powerful. The women of Dardpora village had met and they shared how drug smuggling funded weapons that slaughtered their families. That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” he said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the trophies of Kupwara Forest League by Forest Department and Youth Service and Sports’ Volleyball Championship under ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’. He also felicitated the winner of the reel making competition on drug abuse.

–IANS

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