SRINAGAR: As 1,036 FIRs have been registered, 1,128 alleged drug smugglers arrested and more than 100 properties of alleged smugglers attached during the ongoing anti-drug drive, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday highlighted the progress made under the campaign.
He said a historic movement against narco-terrorism had risen in the Union Territory and that authorities had launched a war against those seeking to destroy the future of the youth.
Sinha joined the 'Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign' in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Friday, participating in a foot march alongside people from different walks of life.
The Lieutenant Governor launched a massive anti-drug drive in Jammu and Kashmir on April 11 to eradicate the growing drug menace in the Union Territory.
As part of the campaign, he has been leading anti-drug marches across districts of the UT. The drive has received widespread public support.
“Having now visited every district in Kashmir and stood with each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has risen,” LG Sinha said.
Sharing details of action taken by law enforcement agencies against alleged drug peddlers, he said that in the past 55 days, 1,036 FIRs had been registered, 1,128 alleged drug smugglers arrested, more than 100 properties attached, nearly 700 driving licences cancelled and recommendations made for the cancellation of passports of 130 alleged drug smugglers.
“Fifty-five days ago, from the soil of Jammu, I declared that enough is enough. What began as a war against drugs and narco-terrorism has now ignited into a true people’s movement, a movement born of courage, sustained by spirit, and driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens. Today, that resolve stands stronger than ever,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“We have launched a war against narco-terrorists, who seek to destroy the future of our youth.”
Assuring proper rehabilitation of those who have fallen into drug addiction, he said, “With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling and new employment opportunities, we are opening new doors. People must remember that this is not simply a government programme, but a social revolution. Together, we will ensure that no drug smugglers or peddlers ever find a place in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Terming drug abuse not merely a matter of ordinary crime, Sinha said it was a question of national security and a direct threat to the survival of society.
“The narco-terrorists, whether sitting in neighbouring countries or operating inside Jammu and Kashmir, are enemies of our people. They are enemies of our children. They are enemies of our progress. Let me make this clear that narco-terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir will have to pay a heavy price.”
The Lieutenant Governor vowed that the administration would ensure those who had harmed the youth faced justice so severe that the world would remember their punishment.
Urging mothers, sisters and daughters to rise as protectors of villages, cities and neighbourhoods, he called upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to stand as guardians of their schools and colleges.
“I promise to the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Narco-terrorists' days are numbered. Their networks will be dismantled, one by one. This is my oath, my solemn promise that every narco-terrorist will answer for their crimes and their sins,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
