Drugs a national security threat: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Jun 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the menace of drugs was not just a crime but also a matter of national security.

Joining ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ in Ganderbal, LG Sinha said, “This is not simply a matter of ordinary crime but it is also a question of national security and a direct threat to the very survival of our society. The narco-terrorists, whether sitting in neighbouring countries or operating inside J&K, are enemies of our people. They are enemies of our children. They are enemies of our progress. Let me make this clear that narco-terrorists operating in Jammu Kashmir will have to pay a heavy price.”

He also joined people from all walks of life in Padyatra and addressed a powerful crowd.

“Having now visited every district in Kashmir and stood with each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has risen,” the LG said in his address to the people on the occasion.

He said in the past 55 days, 1036 FIRs have been registered, 1128 drug smugglers arrested, more than 100 properties of smugglers attached, nearly 700 driving licenses cancelled, and recommendations made to cancel passports of 130 drug smugglers.

“Fifty-five days ago, from the soil of Jammu, I declared that enough is enough. What began as a war against drugs and narco-terrorism has now ignited into a true people’s movement, a movement born of courage, sustained by spirit, and driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens. Today, that resolve stands stronger than ever,” LG Sinha said.

He assured proper rehabilitation of those who have fallen into drug addiction.

“With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling, and new employment opportunities, we are opening new doors. People must remember that this is not simply a government programme, but it is a social revolution. Together, we will ensure that no drug smugglers or peddlers ever find a place in Jammu Kashmir. Fifty-five days ago, I stood on Jammu’s soil and declared that we would free our children from the poison of drugs, protect our families from being torn apart by drug addiction, and refuse to let our people become hostages to narco-terrorists who profit from suffering and funding terrorism with their black money. We have launched a war against narco-terrorists, who seek to destroy the future of our youth,” the LG said.

He said that in every march across J&K, he spoke about how drugs were destroying the future of people, robbing them of their ability, their dreams, and their dignity and how the proceeds from drug smuggling is used in buying weapons, and spreading terrorism in J&K.

LG Sinha said that the administration would ensure that those who have harmed the youth face justice so severe that the world will remember their punishment.

He called upon mothers, sisters, and daughters to rise as protectors of villages, cities and neighbourhoods.

The LG called upon youth of J&K to stand as guardians of their schools and colleges.

“I promise to the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Days of narco-terrorists are numbered. Their networks will be dismantled, one by one. This is my oath, my solemn promise that every narco-terrorist will answer for their crimes and their sins,” he said.

LG Sinha also launched Sindh Samvad, a podcast series and also felicitated the winners of various competitions organised under the NashaMukt J&K Abhiyaan.