Baramulla, May 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where he participated in a massive padyatra alongside citizens and announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the anti-drug campaign for the next 69 days — the Community Immunization Program against Drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration will partner with religious leaders, social organisations, schools and NGOs to establish a “Community Immunization” mechanism against drug abuse in 5 to 10 high-risk hotspot areas in every district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Drawing a comparison with vaccination drives against diseases, LG Sinha said the initiative would act as an early warning system to identify and monitor vulnerable areas while transforming them into completely drug-free zones.
“I urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour every week to strengthen this initiative through awareness campaigns. This effort will deliver real results by monitoring hotspots and building safer communities,” he said.
Family Bonds to Act as Shield Against Drug Addiction
The Lieutenant Governor also unveiled the Family Fortress Initiative, describing strong family and community ties as the ultimate safeguard against drug addiction.
He said that during the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship across Jammu and Kashmir should host weekly family dialogues on drug abuse to encourage open discussions and identify gaps in awareness and prevention mechanisms.
“These dialogues must be honest and community-driven so that society collectively becomes part of the fight against drugs,” he added.
Over 2.35 Lakh Awareness Events Held Across J&K
Highlighting the government’s anti-drug efforts, LG Sinha said more than 2.35 lakh awareness and outreach events have been organised across Jammu and Kashmir during the past 31 days under the Drug-Free J&K campaign.
He said over 44,000 OPD patients have received treatment, while nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested during the ongoing crackdown.
The Lieutenant Governor further stated that enforcement agencies have intensified action against the financial networks of drug cartels by seizing properties worth crores allegedly built through drug money.
Strict Action Against Drug Smugglers and Supply Chain
According to LG Sinha, authorities have recommended cancellation of around 300 driving licences and more than 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers across Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
He added that over 3,300 drug stores have been inspected, while nearly 150 licences were suspended for violating prescribed norms.
“Nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at drug stores across the Union Territory. More than two dozen smugglers have also been booked under the PIT-NDPS Act,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that the administration would continue pursuing every financial asset and network linked to drug traffickers to ensure strict punishment for those “destroying the future of the youth.”
Public Participation Making Campaign a Mass Movement
LG Sinha said the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign has evolved into a massive people’s movement due to overwhelming public participation.
He revealed that nearly 3,000 calls seeking counselling and support have been received through Tele-MANAS services during the last 31 days.
Stressing the need for a scientific and compassionate approach toward rehabilitation, he said drug addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than a social stigma.
“We do not shame diabetes or cancer patients. Likewise, addicts must be treated with dignity and rehabilitated with compassion so they can reconnect with society,” the Lieutenant Governor said, urging citizens and officials to jointly work towards building drug-free villages and towns across Jammu and Kashmir.
