Drug abuse fuels terrorism, says L-G Manoj Sinha; over 1,000 peddlers arrested in 51-day anti-narcotics drive

Sending out a strong message against the growing drug menace, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the fight against narcotics is not merely a public health campaign but a crucial battle for national security, asserting that every rupee spent on drugs strengthens terror networks.

Addressing a public gathering after leading the Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Kulgam, he highlighted the administration’s intensified crackdown on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking across the Union Territory.

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“This campaign belongs to the people. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the administration. The road ahead is long. The fight against drugs will require sustained effort, constant vigilance and unity. We must remain steadfast. We must encourage our young people, protect our families and strengthen our communities,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that 51 days ago, the people of Jammu and Kashmir kindled a spark of change and that, with their massive participation, the spark had grown into a fierce flame of hope, courage and resolve across the Union Territory.

“This campaign is striking directly at the financial backbone of terrorism. Every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence, and narco-terrorists survive on that blood money. By halting the drug trade, we cut off the lifeline that sustains terror networks,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that Jammu and Kashmir had endured sustained attacks on its social fabric by narco-terrorists for many years. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan launched in 2020 marked a turning point in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

“Over the past 51 days, we have carried out extensive and coordinated operations against narco-terrorists and drug traffickers. Through a whole-of-government approach, we are dismantling deeply entrenched networks. Raids have targeted drug smugglers and peddlers in villages and towns, supply chains have been disrupted, and narco-terrorists have been exposed,” Sinha said.

It is pertinent to mention that 923 FIRs have been registered against drug traffickers during the last 51 days. More than 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, over 55 traffickers have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, 668 driving licences have been cancelled, and recommendations have been made for the revocation of 124 passports.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the fight against drugs is not limited to raids and arrests. The administration is also focusing on breaking supply chains, generating public awareness and ensuring dignified rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction.

“We will ensure that our youth are freed from the grip of addiction, return to the mainstream of society and become the strength that will lead Jammu and Kashmir towards a brighter future,” he added.