Srinagar, June 5 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha was in Ganderbal district on Friday, where he joined an anti-drug march and later inaugurated the much-awaited Yatri Bhawan at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple.

At the anti-drug march, he said that sustained public engagement, particularly of the young generation, was essential to end substance abuse.

“Today I proudly joined the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign in Ganderbal walking alongside fellow citizens and addressing a powerful crowd. Having now visited every district in Kashmir Valley & stood with each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has risen,” L-G Sinha said on X.

He was received in Ganderbal by senior civil and police officials, public representatives, youth groups, students and members of social organisations before leading the march.

The padayatra witnessed participation from people across various sections of society, who marched along designated routes carrying placards and raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

The event reflected a collective call for strengthening community participation in addressing the drug menace.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens, particularly young people, to stay away from narcotics and actively contribute towards building a healthier and drug-free society.

He emphasised that sustained public engagement was essential to eliminate substance abuse.

Officials said the padyatra was a part of the administration’s wider 100-day anti-drug campaign, which focuses on awareness generation, community mobilisation and efforts to curb drug trafficking networks, including those linked to narco-terror funding concerns.

Security arrangements were in place as the march proceeded peacefully. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with participants and appreciated their response to the campaign.

The event concluded with participants taking a pledge to support efforts against drug addiction and promote awareness at the grassroots level, marking another step in the government’s ongoing drive to establish a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, L-G Sinha visited the famous Tulmulla temple shrine, also known as Kheer Bhawani temple, in Ganderbal, where he paid obeisance to Mother Goddess and inaugurated the Yatri Bhawan in the temple complex.

He said on X, “Today, inaugurated much awaited Yatri Bhawan at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla, Ganderbal. The Yatri Bhawan will substantially improve the pilgrimage experience at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple by providing safe, hygienic and comfortable accommodation facilities.”

–IANS

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