L-G Manoj Sinha Initiates Major Action Against Drug Trafficking in J&K
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jammu, March 28 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, called for an extensive crackdown on drug trafficking networks that specifically target the youth of the Union Territory.
During a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan in Jammu, L-G Sinha evaluated the progress of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' (Drug-Free India Initiative) in the region.
He remarked, "There are deliberate and malicious efforts aimed at ensnaring the youth of Jammu and Kashmir into the depths of drug addiction. A comprehensive government-wide strategy that combines strict enforcement with effective preventive actions, along with a multi-faceted action plan, is crucial to dismantling the entire framework of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism."
He urged for a 'Jan Bhagidari' (public participation) approach and a coordinated effort against substance abuse to realize the vision of a 'Nasha Mukt' Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting concentrated on five critical areas: Enforcement, Information, Education and Communication, Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, while also incorporating a systematic social media monitoring platform to counteract misinformation.
The L-G instructed officials to implement deterrents, particularly within educational institutions, with a mission-driven approach.
He also emphasized the need to identify and impose strict penalties on any remnants of narco-terror networks operating within the system.
L-G Sinha stressed that citizens should be encouraged to report instances of drug addiction and trafficking to both the police and the UT administration.
Additionally, he reviewed the readiness of various departments for an upcoming extensive drug awareness campaign throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
"Religious leaders, social organizations, veterans, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Scouts and Guides, and political figures must be engaged in the battle against drug addiction," the L-G stated.
He also called for an evaluation of the activities undertaken under the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' over the past year.
The meeting further discussed the onboarding of all districts onto the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Portal, the engagement of nodal officers, ongoing community outreach initiatives, training and capacity enhancement, strengthening and expanding de-addiction facilities and workforce, operationalization of Addiction Treatment Facilities, and the implementation of standard operating procedures by the line departments.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the L-G directed senior officials to prioritize the Vibrant Villages Programme, emphasizing inclusive development for border villages.
In attendance were Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary (Home); Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; M. Raju, Commissioner Secretary to the J&K Health and Medical Education Department; Administrative Secretaries; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security J&K; and other senior officials.