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Taking major action against people involved in drug trafficking, Jammu and Kashmir administration has recommended cancellation of passports of 116 persons. Narcotics and drug- terrorism in the Union Territory by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (narco-terror) This action has gained momentum after the campaign against it was intensified.

According to officials, this step is part of a comprehensive operation launched to crack down on the narcotics networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir, their economic links and the increasing drug addiction among the youth.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been visiting various districts for the last few weeks and personally leading the campaign through public awareness programmes. On Saturday (May 23), he led a large march in Shopian in south Kashmir, in which around 50,000 people took part according to officials.

Addressing the people during the padyatra, Sinha said that there is a direct link between terrorism and drug trafficking in the region. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone associated with such networks. “Terrorist organizations buy weapons with the money earned from the sale of narcotics, and it is with those weapons that the blood of common Kashmiris is shed,” he said.

He further said that anyone found supporting the drugs racket in any form will not be spared. “Whether it is an official or a person associated with public life, if he is in any way connected with or supports the narcotics network, he will have to face stringent legal consequences.”

Describing drugs as an infection spreading in the society, Sinha said, “If even a little bit of this infection has entered our body, it will be thrown out mercilessly without any hesitation.”

The ‘Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir Campaign’ was launched on May 11. Since then, the administration has registered 797 FIRs across the Union Territory and arrested more than 890 alleged drug smugglers. Officials also said that during this operation, 81 properties allegedly built with money earned from drug trafficking were demolished.

Of the 116 passports marked for cancellation, 94 are from Jammu division, while 22 are from Kashmir Valley.

Along with taking strict action, the administration is also focusing on the rehabilitation of youth suffering from drug addiction. Manoj Sinha said that the government is formulating a comprehensive rehabilitation policy to bring the youth back to normal life through de-addiction programmes, employment opportunities and skill development.

He also stressed the role of women in the anti-drug campaign and said that more than 7,000 women’s committees have already been formed in Jammu and Kashmir. “It is now the responsibility of the administration to empower these committees and ensure that they can work effectively,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have now understood that drug addiction is not a distant problem but has become a serious challenge having a direct and immediate impact on the society.

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