Srinagar

Manoj Sinha on Saturday said drug addiction and terrorism are closely interconnected challenges, describing them as “two faces of the same problem,” and urged society to unite against the growing menace.

The Lieutenant Governor made the remarks during the ongoing 100-day ‘Drug Free J-K’ campaign, which reached Anantnag in south Kashmir. Sinha led a foot march from Degree College in Khanabal to Nai Basati before addressing a public gathering.

Speaking at the event, Sinha stressed that the fight against drugs cannot be separated from the fight against terrorism. He said both the administration and society need to recognise the connection between narcotics trafficking and terror activities.

Without naming any country directly, he alleged that India’s neighbouring nation was deliberately smuggling narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, money generated from the drug trade is being used not only to create wealth for smugglers but also to finance terrorism and radicalisation in the region.

Sinha said drug abuse is destroying the future of young people in the Union Territory, while terror groups are allegedly using the proceeds to purchase weapons that continue to fuel violence.

He asserted that the narco-terror network has caused suffering in Jammu and Kashmir for decades and pledged that the administration would continue efforts until the problem is eliminated.

Calling for greater public participation, Sinha appealed to citizens to break their silence and actively contribute to the anti-drug movement. He said a “whole of society approach” involving schools, colleges, families, sports institutions, villages, and community groups would be essential to successfully combat addiction.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the police and civil administration to intensify outreach efforts in every panchayat of Anantnag district during the remaining phase of the campaign, with a particular focus on vulnerable areas.

Highlighting recent enforcement action, Sinha said authorities had registered 108 cases under the NDPS Act in the district since April 11. He added that properties allegedly built using proceeds from drug trafficking, valued at around Rs 3.5 crore, had been demolished.

According to him, officials have also seized 22 vehicles, cancelled eight driving licences and vehicle registrations, and sealed 13 drug stores for violations linked to narcotics-related activities.

Sinha assured residents that the administration would continue targeting the entire network involved in drug trafficking and reiterated his commitment to securing justice for families affected by terrorism.

The ‘Drug Free J-K’ campaign was launched in Jammu on April 11 with a foot march from the M A Stadium led by the Lieutenant Governor. A similar march was also held earlier this month in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area.

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Later in the day, Sinha laid the foundation stone for sports infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 20 crore in Anantnag district, saying such facilities would help direct the energy of young people towards constructive activities.