Over 730 Drug Smugglers Arrested; Properties Worth Crores Seized Across J&K: LG
“Drugs and Terrorism Are Two Heads of the Same Snake,” Says LG Sinha
Kupwara Must Remain Extra Vigilant as Border District Against Drug Smuggling: LG
Srinagar, May 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday joined the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ padyatra in Kupwara and said the ongoing anti-drug movement across the Union Territory has dealt a major blow to the narco-smuggling ecosystem over the past 32 days.
Addressing a public gathering during the campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the combined efforts of the civil and police administration, along with public participation, have transformed the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement against narcotics.
He said that consistent action by the administration has severely weakened narco-terrorist networks across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. More than 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested so far,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha said that when the campaign was launched in April, many people doubted whether a large-scale public movement against drugs could succeed, but the response from people across Jammu and Kashmir proved otherwise.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban localities, schools, colleges, and streets of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Highlighting the link between narcotics and terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said drugs and terrorism cannot be viewed as separate threats.
“For decades, people in Jammu Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as two different issues. But they are two heads of the same snake. One head earns money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further alleged that India’s neighboring country was financing terrorism through drug smuggling and using both drugs and illicit money against innocent people of Kashmir.
He said drug smuggling was destroying families and communities while simultaneously providing oxygen to terror groups.
“By dismantling drug smuggling networks, we are cutting the lifeline that feeds terrorism,” he added.
Referring to enforcement measures in Kupwara and Handwara, LG Sinha said that 28 drug smugglers from the two areas have already been lodged in jail.
He directed police and anti-narcotics agencies to ensure that no guilty person escapes action and stressed that Kupwara, being a border district, must maintain heightened vigilance against drug trafficking.
Officials said every police station in Kupwara has been directed to collect detailed information about active drug smugglers and peddlers and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to citizens to actively participate in awareness campaigns against drug abuse and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation for addicts.
“The drug addicts need compassion and support. They are our responsibility. We must help every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment and ensure their return to the mainstream of society,” he said.
He further directed senior officers to ensure prompt action on complaints and information received through the Manas portal and toll-free helpline.
The Lieutenant Governor also took a strong stand against criticism of the anti-drug campaign and challenged critics to identify even a single innocent person who had been unfairly targeted.
He said people across Jammu and Kashmir were united in demanding strict action against drug smugglers.
“When people stand united, no force can stop us. In the coming days, the crackdown on drug smuggling networks will become tougher and more powerful,” he said.
Recalling his interaction with women from Dardpora village, LG Sinha said they narrated how drug smuggling had funded weapons that devastated their families, adding that drug traffickers and terrorists were inseparable partners in crime.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled trophies for the Kupwara Forest League organised by the Forest Department and the Volleyball Championship being held under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan by the Youth Services and Sports Department.
He also felicitated the winner of a reel-making competition on drug abuse awareness.
