Lt Guv leads Padyatra, addressed a public meeting in Ramban
JAMMU, APR 15: “Drug abuse isn’t just a law & order issue but a social cancer requiring every part of society to fight. I urged for “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach. I believe when the government’s strength and society’s resolve act as one, then even the toughest challenges crumble,” the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday.
The Lieutenant Governor said for decades, Pakistan has orchestrated drug smuggling into Jammu Kashmir to fund terrorism and destroy our young generation.
“We will map every hotspot. And I promise you: we will hit each one like a surgical strike. Not a single smuggler will be spared. The entire network will be dismantled,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public meeting in Ramban as part of the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign.
Intensifying the crusade against drug menace, the Lieutenant Governor led the Padyatra from District Police Line to District Administrative Complex, Ramban. He was joined by public representatives, senior officials of civil and police administration; civil society members, religious leaders, members of business and trade community; ex-servicemen; prominent citizens, various stakeholders, women, students, youth, and people from different walks of life in large number, who were gathered with resolve to eradicate drug addiction at its roots, transform the society, and secure our youth’s future, he said.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted society’s role in fight against drug menace and called for collective action.
“If the neighbour’s house is on fire, yours is not safe. Because drugs don’t spread like flames but they spread like wind. That’s why a ‘Whole of Society’ response is our only real and potent weapon against drug menace.
I firmly believe when society stands united behind a cause, the law becomes a thousand times stronger. We must build a society where the dealer fears law, and the one who breaks free from drugs feels proud of themselves, their family, their society, and their government,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said history proves that organized societies drive change and women’s power plays a crucial role.
“This fight belongs to mothers and sisters, elders, youth, teachers, panchayats, athletes, and elected representatives alike. It is not the job of just one department. Defeating addiction is our collective responsibility,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon every Panchayat and Ward to form women’s vigilance committees.
“Women are the frontline of this war. You know where the household money goes. If anyone in the family showing symptom of addiction, don’t hide it. Don’t call him a criminal. Call him a patient. But that patient needs society’s help, not just four walls,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
