Cross-border drug smuggling a major challenge for border states: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Apr 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said drug smuggling from across the border remains a major challenge, not limited to Jammu and Kashmir, but faced by all border states across the country.

Abdullah said his government is working to engage youth by promoting a strong sports culture in the Union Territory and steering them away from the menace of drugs.

“The drug smuggling from across the border is a challenge, and it is not ours alone. All states located near the border face similar concerns. You will hear this complaint from many of them, especially from Punjab,” Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly pointed out that drug trafficking from across the border has affected a large number of people in the state.

Similar concerns are also heard from time to time in Rajasthan and Gujarat, Abdullah added.

“On our part, we are doing whatever exercises and efforts we can, particularly in drug rehabilitation, to make the vision of a drug-free India a reality. In line with this, the youth wing of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference has organised the second edition of this cricket tournament. Our aim is to engage young people in constructive activities and keep them away from drugs,” he said.

He said the first Jammu half-marathon on March 29, along with the 10 km and 5 km races, saw enthusiastic participation despite the weather not being very favourable.

“In fact, I noticed many runners who had not even registered joined in purely out of passion for running. This reflects a larger trend across every corner of Jammu and Kashmir — our youth, our sons and daughters, are eager for opportunities in sports. They want proper infrastructure and support, and we are trying to focus on that,” the chief minister said.

He said it is neither possible nor necessary that only cricket grounds be built everywhere. Along with cricket, there are many other sports like football, hockey, badminton, volleyball, kho-kho, kabaddi, and wrestling, in which the local boys and girls are delivering impressive performances.

“Together with our Sports Minister Satish Sharma, we are making efforts to promote sports across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.