LG Sinha urges all to join Mega Padyatra on May 3
Srinagar, May 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said a powerful mass movement is underway across the Union Territory to secure a drug-free future, as he appealed to citizens to join a Mega Padyatra scheduled for May 3 at the TRC Football Stadium here.
In a post on X, LG Sinha urged people to participate in the march and stand united to build a safer and healthier Jammu and Kashmir for future generations.
The appeal comes amid a 100-day intensive ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir’ campaign launched by the Lt Governor on April 11 from the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. The time-bound mission, officially running from April 10 to July 9, 2026, is designed as a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) involving youth, parents, teachers, and religious leaders.
The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddlers, including freezing of bank accounts, confiscation of property under the NDPS Act, and potential cancellation of Aadhaar cards and passports of those involved, the official added.
Stressing that addicts are being treated as victims rather than criminals, an official said the focus is on proper rehabilitation, counselling, and care instead of stigma. The 100-day plan includes awareness workshops, sports events, and educational campaigns to sensitise youth.
According to the official, the administration has already reached out to over 2.5 million people in the early stages of the campaign, with an emphasis on sensitising youth and women about the dangers of substance abuse. The mission aims to deliver measurable outcomes in terms of identified users, rehabilitated victims, and prosecuted smugglers. (KNS)
