Rajouri is vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling, but we are determined to break the drug trade and free society from addiction: LG Manoj Sinha
Rajouri, Apr 18 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined a padyatra and addressed a public rally in Rajouri as part of the Drug-Free J&K campaign.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the border district of Rajouri remains sensitive and vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling.
“However, we are determined to overcome these challenges, dismantle the drug trade and free society from addiction. Since April 11, J&K Police has launched an intensive crackdown across the Jammu division. Between April 11 and April 15, more than 45 FIRs were registered, 63 smugglers were arrested and huge quantities of narcotics were seized. Regular checks are now being conducted in schools, pharmacies and drug agencies, and this drive will continue relentlessly,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that not every battle is fought on the border, as many families in Jammu and Kashmir have silently suffered due to drug addiction.
“On April 11, from the grounds of MA Stadium in Jammu, we launched a 100-day campaign against drug abuse. Drug addiction is not merely a personal weakness; it is a serious social problem. Our neighbouring country uses drug smuggling as a tool to support terrorism and weaken the nation from within. We will defeat this threat only through unity and collective determination,” he said.
He further stated that the number of cases registered in the last seven days has risen threefold compared to the period before April 11.
“In the next 100 days, we must completely dismantle the drug network. When society and the administration work together, neither smugglers nor criminals will escape,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that prevention is the strongest pillar of the Drug-Free J&K campaign.
“We must reach our children before drugs do. Awareness and self-respect should be promoted in every school, college, playground and community centre,” he said.
He also directed J&K Police and other enforcement agencies to ensure strict punishment for those involved in drug trafficking.
“No offender should escape. We must carry out strong action against those who are poisoning our youth. The administration has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure to destroy drug smuggling networks and ensure quick justice,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration is committed to complete rehabilitation, from identification and counselling to detoxification, treatment and aftercare. He asked officials to regularly review weekly activities, including the number of people rehabilitated and the number of smugglers arrested, while ensuring that fake de-addiction centres are shut down.
“We will restore the dignity of affected people, reconnect them with society and help them contribute to Rajouri’s future. This mission cannot succeed through government efforts alone. I appeal to all social organisations and NGOs to join this campaign,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered an anti-drug pledge and also launched the Rajouri Premier League and the Rajouri Football Club under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
Artists also presented a musical programme highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse.(KINS)
LG Joins Padyatra in Rajouri Under Drug-Free J&K Campaign
