Drug traffickers to be dealt with like terrorists: Lt Guv
Says 80 days of campaign remain and each day is vital
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that drug traffickers would be dealt with like terrorists under the law in the Union territory, where 440 drug offenders have been arrested and 350 FIRs filed in the past 20 days under the 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyan’.
Addressing a gathering after launching the anti-drug campaign in Doda, Sinha termed drug abuse a form of “silent terrorism” and called for a public movement against the menace.
“Narcotics smuggling is no less than terrorism, and those involved will get stringent punishment. I feel drug abuse is like silent terrorism, not just a matter of law and order,” he said.
Likening narcotics smuggling to “terrorism in disguise”, Sinha called it a hidden threat that devastates the youth, weakens families and undermines the foundations of society.
“We have decided that drug traffickers in J-K will be treated under the law the same way terrorists are dealt with. They are enemies of society, enemies of humanity and enemies of our youth. We are committed to wiping out this threat,” Sinha said.
“I give you my word – we will not rest until dismantling the networks spreading this poison in society,” he said.
Noting that 80 days remained in the 100-day anti-drug drive, Sinha said, “Every moment must be used with purpose, and every citizen must take part in this mass movement.
“Together, we can make Jammu and Kashmir a shining example for the nation – a society free from drug addiction,” he said.
Underscoring the importance of public participation, Sinha said the fight against drugs cannot rest on government machinery alone.
“In the remaining 80 days, a whole-of-government approach must confront and dismantle the web of drug addiction. This will require a change in mindset. Drug smugglers thrive on public indifference and silence,” he said.
Sharing details, Sinha said about 350 FIRs had been registered and 440 drug traffickers arrested in the past 20 days, as he urged schools, colleges, social organisations and the media to join the drive.
The Lieutenant Governor said the people’s movement against drug abuse reflects their determination and unity, and this menace can be eliminated when communities rise together and speak with one voice.
Lieutenant Governor observed that path to success in this campaign is demanding, and the challenge is significant. He said of the 100-day effort, 80 days remain and each day is now vital.
“Every moment must be used with purpose, and every citizen must take part in this Jan-Andolan. Together, we can make Jammu Kashmir a shining example for the nation: a society free from the burden of drug addiction,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor also underscored the importance of Jan-Bhagidari and said that this fight cannot rest on government machinery alone and society must actively participate.
“In the remaining 80 days, a whole-of-government effort must confront and dismantle the web of drug addiction. This requires a change in mindset. Sometimes people say this is not my problem. This attitude must change. Drug smugglers thrive on public indifference and silence. We must remember: a drug-free society is built by those who resist this menace even when they are not directly affected. Every family must recognize that prosperity is not measured by economic growth alone, but by the vigilant and responsible choices of its citizens,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“When communities stay alert, they can resist infiltration. When society is vigilant, addiction cannot spread,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
