Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday, 19 May called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to strike the final blow against drug abuse, urging citizens and the administration to work together to dismantle the narco-terror network and protect the younger generation from addiction. Sinha made the appeal while addressing a public gathering in Pulwama, joining the ongoing people's movement against drugs.

Public Awakening Across J&K

Sinha described the past month as a period of unprecedented public mobilisation across the Union Territory. He cited mass demonstrations in Baramulla, Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, Srinagar, and other districts, where young people and parents had openly committed to the anti-drug cause.

'In Baramulla, I saw thousands raising their voices against drugs. Similarly, in Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, Srinagar, and other districts, I saw young people and parents resolutely committed to this fight,' Sinha said. He noted that over 39 days, neighbours had become each other's support and the long-standing silence around the issue had begun to break — turning, in his words, into a 'loud, collective outcry.'

Scale of the Crackdown

Sinha highlighted the scale of enforcement action undertaken since 11 April. In Pulwama alone, more than 11,000 local events have been organised. Across Jammu and Kashmir, 897 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, FIRs registered against 48 drug smugglers, and 56 drug traffickers arrested in targeted operations.

Authorities have also recommended cancellation of passports of 18 traffickers, cancelled driving licences of 382 traffickers and peddlers, and cancelled registrations of 386 vehicles. 49 immovable properties have been seized and 45 properties demolished. Nearly 5,045 drug stores have been inspected; licences of 225 stores suspended, 27 stores cancelled, and FIRs registered against six stores.

Narco-Terror Link: The Core Message

Sinha drew a direct and emphatic connection between drug trafficking and terrorism. He argued that for decades, drug smuggling in Jammu and Kashmir was treated as a local crime, but must now be understood as deeply intertwined with terror financing.

'Drug smugglers profit by destroying the futures of our youth, and terror outfits use that money to fuel terrorism and radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir,' he said. He added that every transaction by a drug peddler not only destroyed a young life but also financed violence against innocent citizens. 'When drug smugglers earn money, our youth lose their future, and that money arms terrorists against innocents in Jammu and Kashmir,' Sinha said.

Community Mobilisation and Rehabilitation

Beyond enforcement, the campaign has built a substantial grassroots infrastructure. Across Jammu and Kashmir, 6,646 village women's committees and 2,997 youth clubs have been formed to block drug trafficking and support rehabilitation. A total of 3,93,000 programmes have been held since 11 April, with millions participating in awareness and outreach activities.

More than 100 helpline calls are being received daily, and over 52,000 patients have received treatment at addiction treatment facilities so far. Sinha reaffirmed the administration's resolve, warning the narco-terror ecosystem: 'We will hunt you down even in your deepest hideouts. Our mission is not just arrests but the complete destruction of the narco-terror empire and tearing out the very roots from which this poison spreads.'

What Comes Next

The L-G described the ongoing effort as a 100-day campaign and urged citizens to maintain vigilance and unity as it advances. 'A month ago, we dreamed of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. Today, we are proving it is real,' he said. The administration's dual strategy — aggressive enforcement combined with community-level rehabilitation — signals that the campaign is far from winding down.