Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday, 9 May joined a padyatra in Anantnag as part of the Drug-Free J&K Campaign, calling for a 'whole of society approach' to defeat drug addiction and the narco-terror network that he said has plagued the region for decades. Addressing a public gathering, Sinha directly linked drug smuggling to cross-border terrorism, warning that the two cannot be treated as separate challenges.

Narco-Terror Link at the Heart of the Message

Sinha was unambiguous in naming the source of the problem. "Our neighbouring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu & Kashmir by design," he said, adding that drug money is being channelled into weapons procurement by terror outfits. "Drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges, but two faces of the same problem," he told the gathering. He pledged that the administration would not rest until the narco-terror network is dismantled.

The L-G urged all sections of society — schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, villages, and theatre stages — to speak in one voice about the dangers of drug abuse. He specifically called upon sportspersons, teachers, and religious leaders to dedicate the next 71 days to the awareness and rehabilitation campaign.

Action on the Ground in Anantnag

Sinha cited concrete enforcement action already under way in Anantnag district. Since 11 April, a record 108 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the district — the highest in the region during this period. Properties described as 'narco-palaces' built with drug money worth ₹3.5 crore have been demolished. Authorities have seized 22 vehicles, cancelled 8 driving licences and vehicle registrations, and sealed 13 drug stores for legal violations.

"I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched, and the entire machinery involved in drug smuggling will be uprooted from its roots," Sinha said. He directed the police and civil administration to cover every panchayat in the district and reach vulnerable areas within the campaign's 71-day window.

Sports Infrastructure to Channel Youth Energy

Alongside the anti-drug drive, Sinha laid the foundation stone for sports infrastructure development projects worth ₹20.60 crore in Anantnag district. The projects include the Khel Gaon Modern Sports Infrastructure and residential facility (Khel Bhawan) Stage-I at Jablipora, expansion of sports facilities at Chaki-Kamal Monghal, reconstruction of the sports complex at Nillandrusu, and development of a stadium at Harmohalla Ranbirpora. Sinha said the facilities would channel youth energy constructively and strengthen discipline and sportsmanship.

He also felicitated youth icons and distributed sports kits to young participants at the event.

Community and Cultural Mobilisation

The event featured traditional art forms — Nukad Natak, Baand Pather, and a mime play — centred on the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, using cultural expression to raise awareness about drug abuse. Sinha emphasised that women and youth club members have a frontline role: if a family member or neighbour's youth is going astray, they should intervene and seek administrative support when needed.

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for every terror victim's family in the region. With 71 days remaining in the campaign, the administration's next focus will be extending outreach to the most vulnerable panchayats across Anantnag.