Srinagar, May 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined a massive padyatra in Budgam as part of the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir campaign, calling for a united societal effort to eliminate the menace of narcotics from the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor announced the formation of an informal ‘Parents Brigade’ across villages and urban areas. The initiative aims to build a voluntary network of parents, women, and youth who will be trained to identify early signs of drug abuse and connect affected families with timely support and resources.
Sinha emphasized that the entire district must rise against the growing drug threat, describing addiction as a force that is “destroying the souls of our youth.” He underlined that every young life lost to addiction weakens the nation’s future workforce and security framework.
Highlighting the need for compassion, the Lieutenant Governor said that those affected by drug addiction should be treated as victims rather than criminals. He urged society to shed stigma and encourage open dialogue so that families do not suffer in silence.
Calling drug abuse not just a public health issue but also a national security concern, Sinha pointed out the links between drug trafficking, terrorism, and radicalization. He warned that narco-networks are being used to destabilize the region and stressed that fighting drugs is also a fight against terror.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the campaign, launched on April 11, is a collective mission that requires participation from all sections of society, including teachers, parents, community leaders, and youth.
He further revealed that directions have been issued to all police stations across the Kashmir Valley to identify active drug smugglers and take strict action within 30 days. Financial networks linked to drug cartels are also under surveillance, with authorities targeting not just small-time peddlers but major operators.
Sinha assured the public that properties built through drug money would face strict action and called upon citizens to actively support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Lieutenant Governor declared that the administration is determined to ensure that no drug smuggler escapes accountability, sending a strong message to those involved in the illegal trade.
The padyatra witnessed significant public participation, reflecting growing awareness and support for the anti-drug movement in Budgam.
