Spearheading a decisive battle against the drug menace, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday launched the historic mass movement for a “Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir” from MA Stadium in Jammu.
The Lieutenant Governor flagged-off Padyatra and joined the public representatives, senior officials and thousands of citizens in the walkathon from MA Stadium to Parade Ground, marking the beginning of 100-days intensive campaign under Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Lieutenant Governor gave a clarion call to make Jammu Kashmir free from the scourge of drugs.
“We have given voice to a resolve that will reach every village, town, city, home, and heartbeat in Union Territory, fulfilling the pledge of a drug-free region.
Next three months are pivotal, with campaign advancing in six clear phases- Awareness intensive drives, youth focused events, community engagement, strict enforcement, rehabilitation and evaluation. We will move forward with the whole of government approach to rid J&K of drug menace,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the eradication of drug addiction is a collective responsibility that rests upon us all.
“We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files but behind each lies a vivid story, a family's struggle and agony.
Drug-free J&K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family's tragedy but a challenge to us all. Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that drug abuse is among J&K's gravest challenges and we stand firm in our commitment to confront drug abuse and emerge victorious.
“Bound by shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month long people's movement across J&K will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers to free the J&K UT from the grip of the drug menace.
“Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law. Our neighbor is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation's future. Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
In a stern warning, the Lieutenant Governor stated that Drug Smugglers' assets will be seized, ringleaders prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly. “The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licenses, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” he said.
“We have issued a new SoP against drug traffickers. Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licenses of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately. Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen, and financial investigation will be launched.
On 2nd April, we had notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026, ensuring every center is genuine, dedicated to patients affected by addiction, equipped with all required human resources, and under continuous monitoring. Action will be taken against centers operating without support staff or in violation of the rules,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the senior officers for swift action on complaints and strengthening of grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.
“Our strength in Drug-Free J&K Campaign lies in collective action. When departments unite with shared purpose, we prevail.
Since early 2021 we have moved beyond planning to decisive action for Drug-Free J&K. We are successfully implementing initiatives that have reached previously untouched communities, engaged youth in schools, and expanded rehabilitation services. No individual faces this battle alone; the administration stands firmly committed,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women and athletes to participate in large numbers since they are the face, force and future of this campaign.
“The next three months will sow seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervor, debates steel youth resolve, quizzes embed awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; unity marches, Padyatra inspire neighborhoods; marathons from panchayats to cities declare that J&K will never bow to drugs,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that from village chaupals to district headquarters, every event must pulse with mass movement spirit, followed by reviews because feedback will be our compass to refine, strategize and act stronger.
“April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the first step of a transformative march. Let us build a movement so broad, so resolute, and so deeply people-driven that it lays the foundation of a drug-free J&K,” he further said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the “Anti-Drug Pledge” to the citizens and unveiled the official campaign mascot. Awareness Video, singing and cultural performances by renowned artists echoed the message of a drug-free Jammu Kashmir.
The Padyatra was warmly received by business organizations, civil society members, and various stakeholders along the route.