Says J&K united against drug menace; leads massive padyatra in Bandipora
Bandipora: In a strong message against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday led a massive Pad Yatra in SK stadium Bandipora, as part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from political leaders, students, youth, civil society members, traders, officials and local residents, reflecting a growing public movement against narcotics and substance abuse in the Valley.
Addressing the massive gathering at SK stadium, the Lieutenant Governor said the campaign launched over the past several weeks was not merely an enforcement drive, but a larger social movement aimed at safeguarding the future of the younger generation and restoring dignity to families devastated by addiction.
“Forty-five days ago, I had pledged not only to dismantle the ecosystem of drug smugglers and narco-terrorists, but also to ignite a mass movement against this grave threat. Today, I can proudly say that Jammu and Kashmir stands united, determined and fully committed to making our society drug-free,” he said.
The LG asserted that the administration has intensified its crackdown on drug peddlers and networks involved in narco-trafficking, while simultaneously focusing on awareness, rehabilitation and community participation to defeat the menace comprehensively.
He maintained that the fight against drugs is no longer confined to law enforcement agencies alone, but has transformed into a people’s movement with active support from every section of society.
“Every mother, every family and every responsible citizen wants our youth to live a life of dignity, purpose and hope. This campaign is about protecting that future,” he remarked.
Issuing a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, the Lieutenant Governor said the government would continue its aggressive action against narco networks and their facilitators without any relaxation. “This action will continue relentlessly. It will not stop until every drug smuggler is eliminated from the sacred soil of Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
Referring to rehabilitation efforts, the LG said youth trapped in drug addiction should be treated as victims and helped through counselling and rehabilitation programmes. “We have to save our future and our youth. Those affected by drugs will be counselled and rehabilitated because they are victims,” he said.
When people join together, neither terrorism nor drug peddlers can affect us. This is not just a dream, it is a mission, and the government will complete it, he added.
The padyatra concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and work towards building a healthier, safer and addiction-free society across Jammu and Kashmir.