Govt determined to liberate society of drug addiction: LG Sinha

Rajouri, Apr 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the government is determined to liberate the society of drug addiction.

Joining Padyatra and addressing a public rally in Rajouri under drug-free J&K campaign, LG Sinha said that border district Rajouri is sensitive and prone to cross-border drug smuggling.

“But we are determined to crush these challenges, dismantle the drug trade and liberate society from addiction. From April 11, J&K Police had launched a relentless crackdown in Jammu Division. More than 45 FIRs were filed, 63 smugglers nabbed and massive drug hauls seized between the 11th and 15th. Regular Checks are now covering schools, pharmacies, drug agencies and this drive will continue relentlessly,” he said.

In his address, the LG emphasised that not all wars rage on borders.

He said some battles brew unseen and for years and countless Jammu Kashmir families have fought addiction within their walls and many lost loved ones to it.

“On April 11, from the hallowed grounds of Jammu’s MA Stadium, we sounded the clarion call to total war by launching a resolute 100-day crusade against drug addiction. I believe addiction is no mere personal failing but it’s a gaping wound in our society’s fabric. Our terrorist neighbour deploys it as an insidious weapon, nurturing terror through drug smuggling and eroding our nation’s strength from within. We shall prevail in this battle by uniting as one and every citizen rising with unyielding resolve,” LG Sinha said.

He said that cases registered before April 11 had witnessed a three times increase in last 7 days.

“In 100 days, we must completely break the back of drug networks. When the power of society and the might of the administration come together, neither smugglers nor criminals will be spared,” the LG said.

He also highlighted that prevention anchors drug-free J&K campaign and he considers that prevention is mightier than any cure in such cases.

“We must reach our children before drugs do, igniting awareness and self-respect in every school, college, playground, and community hub,” LG Sinha said.

He also called upon J&K Police and other enforcement agencies to ensure exemplary punishment for drug smugglers.

“Make sure no culprit escapes. We should unleash exemplary crackdowns on traffickers poisoning our youth. Those ruining generations won’t slip away,” the LG said, adding that administration has crafted an SoP to obliterate drug smugglers networks and ensuring swift justice.

He said that from detection and counseling to detox, rehab, and aftercare, our pledge is total rehabilitation.

LG Sinha asked the officials to audit weekly activities including list of rehabbed lives, list of arrested smugglers while ensuring that fake centers are shuttered.

“We will restore people’s dignity, reconnect them to our shared society, and unleash their potential to build Rajouri’s brighter future. This mission demands more than government efforts. I call upon every social organization and NGOs to join us in this noble endeavor,” he said.

The LG also administered the anti-drug pledge and also launched Rajouri Premier League and Rajouri Football Club under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.

On the occasion, artists through musical opera spread awareness on the devastating impacts of substance abuse.