SHOPIAN, May 23, 2026 : In a powerful display of public unity against the menace of drugs and narco-terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra in Shopian, where people from all walks of life pledged to eliminate drug networks and narco-terrorists from every corner of the Union Territory.
Addressing a large gathering during the padyatra, the Lieutenant Governor described the growing anti-drug movement as the beginning of a “new era” in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the campaign has transformed into a powerful grassroots uprising against narcotics and terror funding.
“What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now evolved into a mass movement across Jammu Kashmir. Voices are rising from every street and village demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that millions of citizens across Jammu and Kashmir are now united with a common mission to eradicate narcotics-terrorism from the region. He warned that drug abuse is not merely a social issue but a direct threat to the future of society and national security.
He said terror outfits use money generated through drug trafficking to procure weapons, adding that the blood of innocent Kashmiris is being shed through this dangerous nexus.
Issuing a stern warning, Manoj Sinha said strict action would be taken against anyone found linked to the drug trade, irrespective of their position or influence.
“Whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are connected to the drug network in any manner, they will face the harshest legal consequences. Even the slightest trace of this infection within the system will be removed mercilessly,” he asserted.
The Lieutenant Governor said drug smugglers and narco-terrorists have built “dark empires” by destroying the lives of young people, but assured that every pillar of these illegal networks is being dismantled systematically.
Describing drugs as a weapon against society, he remarked that every packet of narcotics sold in towns and villages is equivalent to a bullet aimed at the chest of the people.
“Wherever drug traffickers flourish, the first victims are our youth. Thousands of parents across Jammu Kashmir live in fear that their children could fall prey to this menace. We must eliminate that fear completely and guarantee safety to every household,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s intensified crackdown under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the Lieutenant Governor revealed that over 7,000 women’s committees have been constituted across the Union Territory to strengthen the anti-drug campaign at the grassroots level.
He shared major achievements recorded during the past 43 days of the campaign:
- 797 FIRs registered against drug-related activities
- 894 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested and jailed
- 59 traffickers booked under PIT-NDPS provisions
- 81 illegal narcotic properties constructed through black money demolished
- 101 immovable properties attached and seized
- Assets worth crores confiscated
- 457 driving licenses suspended
- Recommendations made for cancellation of passports of 22 smugglers
- Registration cancellation proposed for 606 vehicles linked to drug trafficking
- Large quantities of narcotics seized across Jammu and Kashmir
- 5,641 drug stores inspected
- Licenses of 268 medical shops suspended or cancelled
- FIRs registered against 6 drug stores
The Lieutenant Governor further disclosed that the administration is preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation policy aimed at helping addicted youth return to mainstream life through de-addiction, skill development, employment opportunities and rehabilitation support.
“Our mission is not only to free youth from addiction but also to restore dignity and provide them opportunities for a better future,” he added.
