Tauseef Ahmad
Srinagar, May 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday joined a massive padyatra in Budgam as part of the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir campaign, pledging sweeping action against drug smugglers and calling for a united societal response to the growing menace of narcotics.
Addressing participants, the LG announced the formation of an informal ‘Parents Brigade’ across villages and urban areas to act as a grassroots support system in combating drug abuse. He said the initiative would create a voluntary network of parents, women and youth trained to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected families with timely resources.
Emphasizing collective responsibility, Sinha urged residents of Budgam to rise against what he described as a “poison destroying the souls of our youth.” He warned that drug addiction not only weakens the social fabric but also poses a serious threat to national security by funding terrorism and radicalization.
“Every young person lost to addiction is a loss to our future workforce and a blow to the strength of our police and armed forces,” he said, adding that those battling addiction must be treated as victims in need of care and rehabilitation rather than criminals.
The LG stressed the need to break societal stigma surrounding drug abuse, urging families to speak out and seek help without fear or shame. “Silence will not defeat this crisis. Society must raise its voice,” he said.
Reiterating the administration’s resolve, Sinha revealed that all police stations in Kashmir Valley have been directed to identify active drug peddlers and smugglers within 30 days. He also warned of stringent action against major drug networks, including tracking financial transactions and demolishing properties built through illicit proceeds.
Calling on citizens to act as “eyes and ears” of law enforcement, the LG asserted that no drug peddler would be allowed to operate in Budgam, declaring that those involved in narco-terror networks would be brought to justice.
