LG Sinha leads padyatra in Srinagar, calls drug peddlers’ enemies of nation
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MAY 03 (STC): Today’s oath against drugs is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, anguish of families and concern of teachers who have seen young lives getting destroyed.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated this in his address to a gathering at TRC Football Ground here today during the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’ before leading the padyatra.
“This is not just a government pledge. It is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said.
LG Sinha said he personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and undertook padyatras, where a unified message emerged from people. “Everyone said, we want our children back, we want our future back. Today I have come to Kashmir to say we will bring it back at any cost,” he said.
He added that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight.
The LG said drug trafficking is linked to terrorism. He said that narco networks are targeting the “most creative and productive force, our youth” and trying to weaken families, economy and moral foundations.
“They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he said.
Notably, a 100-day campaign was launched from April 11 to involve every citizen in the fight, with 78 days still remaining.
“Every day, every hour is important. We must ensure maximum public participation and make J&K a model drug-free society,” LG Sinha said and disclosed that the administration is working on three front. Breaking supply chains. Mass awareness.
As far as rehabilitation of drug addicts is concerned, the LG stressed that “public participation is the biggest weapon. Police action and laws alone are not enough unless society stands together.”
The LG further disclosed that between April 11 and May 2, over 481 FIRs registered, 518 drug smugglers arrested, 24 narco properties attached; 26 in Kashmir districts, around 300 driving licences suspended. Several licences cancelled; 5 passports cancelled, 325 vehicles seized. 3000+ drug stores inspected. As many as 107 licences suspended; FIR lodged against one.
He said financial transactions of drug syndicates are being tracked and “each link of the network is being broken.”
He assured the people that every culprit will be identified. Whether inside or outside J&K, anyone linked to drug networks will face the strictest law.
“The police stations will maintain photo galleries of peddlers and lookout notices are being issued against absconders, LG Sinha said.
Reiterating zero tolerance, LG Sinha said: “Drug smugglers will be treated like enemies of the country. Some call it crime, but I say it is silent terrorism. It is poisoning lives, weakening families and destroying society.”
Urging people to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration, he said, “Prepare lists of drug traffickers and cooperate with police and civil administration. Together we will eliminate this menace.”
He also called upon religious leaders, imams, teachers, women and youth groups to actively participate.
In a direct appeal, LG Sinha said: “Taking drugs is not ‘cool’. Those trapped are victims and must be helped through treatment and compassion. The days of those trying to destroy Jammu and Kashmir are over. We have taken a pledge to make J&K drug-free and we will achieve it with full determination.”
(Straight Talk Communications)
