LG Sinha at Kupwara mega anti-drug rally

Expresses satisfaction with dedication from Kupwara admin, public in tackling menace

Jahangir Lolabi | Sheikh Adnan

Kupwara, May 13: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday led a massive anti-drug padyatra in frontier district Kupwara, calling for a united societal response against narcotics abuse and warning of stringent action against drug peddlers across the Union Territory.

The padyatra, organised under the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir’ campaign started with inaugural address at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Kupwara. The occasion witnessed participation from thousands of students, youth, civil society members, officials and security personnel, with participants carrying placards and raising slogans against drug abuse.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the administration was intensifying both enforcement and awareness measures to dismantle narcotics networks and protect the youth from falling prey to substance abuse.

“Measures including vehicle de-registration, lookout notices and property seizure will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking, irrespective of where they are. No drug peddler will be spared,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said more than two lakh outreach and awareness programmes had been conducted across Jammu and Kashmir as part of the anti-drug campaign and appreciated the Kupwara administration for mobilising public participation against the menace.

“I have been informed that over two lakh outreach programmes have taken place across J&K. I am satisfied with the Kupwara administration for its dedication in tackling this menace with public support,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that drug addicts should be treated as victims requiring rehabilitation and care rather than criminalisation.

“For the last 31 days, I have consistently maintained that those consuming drugs are victims, not culprits. We must help them return to normal life with care and rehabilitation,” he said.

Sinha also called for greater involvement of religious scholars, elders, teachers and civil society groups in the anti-drug campaign, saying the fight against narcotics could only succeed through collective social responsibility.

“Every minute is important for us now. If there is any lackadaisical approach, people should inform us and we will act on it,” he added.

Prominent political figures, including Sajad Gani Lone, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Qaysar Jamsheed Lone, Mir Saifullah, and Javaid Ahmad Mirchal also participated in the event alongside district administration officials and public representatives.

The Lieutenant Governor later proceeded to Trehgam, where another anti-drug outreach programme was scheduled as part of the administration’s ongoing campaign against substance abuse in north Kashmir.