J&K L-G Sinha: Drug addiction cracks society, vows zero tolerance in Budgam
Synopsis
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha didn't just attend a rally in Budgam — he issued a 30-day ultimatum to drug smugglers, announced a grassroots 'Parents Brigade,' and directly linked the drug trade to terror funding. With 76 days left in the 100-day campaign launched on April 11, Sinha is framing the war on drugs as inseparable from national security.
Key Takeaways
L-G Manoj Sinha joined the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign rally in Budgam on 5 May 2025 .
An informal 'Parents Brigade' announced for every village and city to identify early drug use signs.
Sinha directed every Kashmir Valley police station to gather intelligence on drug smugglers and take decisive action within 30 days .
The L-G linked drug trafficking directly to terror funding and radicalisation , calling them "two hands of the same enemy." The 100-day campaign was launched on 11 April 2025 ; 76 days remain.
Sinha warned that "palaces built with drug money will be razed to the ground."
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday, 5 May declared that every family destroyed by drug addiction represents a fracture in the foundation of society, as he joined a large public movement in Budgam district to advance the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign. Sinha assured citizens that every arm of the administration would act with resolve and unity to confront the drug menace and ensure its effective elimination.
Key Announcements at Budgam Rally
Addressing the gathering, L-G Sinha announced the formation of an informal 'Parents Brigade' in every village and city across the district, wherever feasible. The initiative aims to build a voluntary network of parents, women, and youth who will be trained and empowered to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected families with resources immediately.
He appealed to families, social organisations, and spiritual and political leaders in Budgam to intensify the campaign across the district, reaffirming that the administration's full strength is committed to eradicating drugs.
Narco-Terror Link at the Centre of Warning
Sinha drew a sharp connection between drug trafficking and terrorism, stating that the drug trade is actively funding terrorism and radicalisation in the region. He alleged that Jammu and Kashmir's neighbouring country — widely understood to be Pakistan — is a major patron of terrorism and is smuggling drugs into the Union Territory.
Point of View
But invoking it at a district-level rally raises the stakes considerably, signalling that the administration intends to use security-grade enforcement tools against drug networks. The 'Parents Brigade' concept, while community-driven and laudable, will only be as effective as the follow-through in training, resourcing, and stigma reduction. The 30-day ultimatum to police stations is the most actionable element — and the most measurable. If smugglers are not brought to book by that deadline, the credibility of the entire campaign is at risk.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign?
The Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign is a 100-day initiative launched by L-G Manoj Sinha on 11 April 2025 in Jammu, aimed at eradicating drug use and trafficking across the Union Territory. It involves law enforcement action, community mobilisation, and awareness drives across districts including Budgam.
What is the 'Parents Brigade' announced by L-G Sinha?
The 'Parents Brigade' is an informal voluntary network of parents, women, and youth to be formed in villages and cities across Budgam. Members will be trained to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected families with support resources immediately.
How is drug trafficking linked to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?
L-G Sinha stated that drug trafficking is directly funding terrorism and radicalisation in J&K, alleging that a neighbouring country — widely understood to be Pakistan — is smuggling drugs into the region. He called drug trafficking and terror funding "two hands of the same enemy."
What action has been directed against drug smugglers in Kashmir Valley?
L-G Sinha has directed every police station in the Kashmir Valley to gather full intelligence on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their jurisdiction and take decisive action within 30 days. Financial transactions of drug cartels are also being monitored.
How many days remain in the Drug-Free J&K campaign?
As of 5 May 2025, 76 days remain in the 100-day Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, which was launched on 11 April 2025 and is scheduled to run through mid-July 2025.
