63 drug smugglers arrested as Manoj Sinha pushes ‘Nasha Mukt J&K’ campaign

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday led a padyatra in Rajouri as part of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’ , a 100-day intensive campaign aimed at eradicating drug abuse and trafficking across the Union Territory.

Addressing a public gathering during the march, Sinha underscored that the padyatra is not merely symbolic but part of a broader strategy to mobilise public awareness, strengthen community participation, and intensify enforcement against drug networks . The initiative seeks to engage citizens, especially youth, in building a drug-free society while reinforcing the administration’s zero-tolerance approach.

The Lieutenant Governor said that 63 drug smugglers have been arrested and over 45 FIRs registered in the past five days as part of a relentless crackdown launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police . The operation, conducted between April 11 and April 15, also led to the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics.

Sinha had earlier launched the campaign on April 11 from Jammu, followed by outreach programmes in Kathua on April 13 and Ramban on April 15, before arriving in Rajouri. He described Rajouri as a sensitive border district vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling , reiterating the administration’s resolve to dismantle trafficking networks.

“We are determined to crush these challenges, dismantle the drug trade, and liberate society from addiction,” Sinha said, adding that the campaign will continue with sustained intensity.

As part of the drive, authorities have expanded surveillance and inspections across schools, pharmacies, and drug distribution agencies , aiming to curb both supply and demand. Officials indicated that enforcement measures will be complemented by awareness programmes and community outreach throughout the campaign period.

The padyatra, officials said, reflects a dual agenda to raise awareness against substance abuse at the grassroots level and to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to a coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir.