Addressing a large gathering during the padyatra, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration would work closely with religious institutions, schools, NGOs and social organisations to establish a strong “Community Immunization” mechanism in 5 to 10 vulnerable drug hotspots in every district of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 69 days.
Drawing parallels with vaccination drives against diseases, LG Sinha described the initiative as an “early warning system” that would help identify high-risk areas, monitor drug-related activities and transform vulnerable zones into completely drug-free communities.
Calling for mass public participation, he urged schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and NGOs to dedicate at least one hour every week for awareness and anti-drug campaigns to strengthen the movement at the grassroots level.
The Lieutenant Governor also launched the Family Fortress Initiative, stressing that strong family bonds and active community engagement remain the biggest safeguards against addiction among youth.
Under the initiative, schools, colleges and religious institutions across Jammu and Kashmir will hold weekly family dialogues on drug abuse to encourage open discussions, identify awareness gaps and strengthen preventive mechanisms within society.
“These conversations must be honest, inclusive and community-driven so that every citizen becomes part of the fight against drugs,” LG Sinha said.
Highlighting the scale of the ongoing campaign, he revealed that more than 2.35 lakh awareness and outreach programmes have been conducted across Jammu and Kashmir during the last 31 days. He added that over 44,000 patients have received treatment through OPD services while nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested during the intensified crackdown.
The Lieutenant Governor further said authorities have seized properties worth crores allegedly acquired through drug money and tightened action against the financial networks operating behind narcotics trade.
According to the administration, around 300 driving licences and over 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation across the Union Territory.
He also disclosed that over 3,300 medical stores have been inspected, nearly 150 licences suspended for violations and around 3,000 CCTV cameras installed at pharmacies to monitor illegal activities. More than two dozen drug smugglers have additionally been booked under the PIT-NDPS Act.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, LG Sinha said strict action would continue against every network and financial asset linked to drug trafficking to protect the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
Describing the campaign as a growing people’s movement, the Lieutenant Governor said nearly 3,000 calls seeking counselling and psychological support were received through Tele-MANAS services during the past month.
He also stressed the importance of treating drug addiction as a health issue instead of a social stigma, advocating a scientific and compassionate rehabilitation approach.
“We do not shame patients suffering from diseases like diabetes or cancer. Similarly, those battling addiction deserve dignity, care and rehabilitation so they can reconnect with society,” he said.
