‘Nasha Mukt J&K’ drive begins: Focus on crackdown, community action and rehabilitation

Manoj Sinha on Monday launched a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking, directing police to identify top peddlers in every station and dismantle networks within 30 days as part of a 100-day campaign , Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan , in Kathua district.

Addressing a large gathering, Sinha said the administration would adopt a zero-tolerance approach against drug syndicates, warning that traffickers would face stringent action, including revocation of passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards and arms licences. He added that under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act , authorities would also confiscate assets, freeze bank accounts and initiate financial investigations.

At the same time, he stressed a compassionate approach towards addicts , describing them as patients in need of care and rehabilitation. “We will act tough on criminals, but show empathy to those trapped in addiction,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor underscored that drug abuse has emerged as a serious social and public health challenge in Jammu and Kashmir , particularly affecting youth and undermining families and communities. He called for a collective societal response , involving citizens, NGOs and local institutions.

Sinha outlined a three-phase roadmap for the campaign awareness and mobilisation in the first month, deeper community outreach in the second, and long-term sustainability in the third. He also urged women’s self-help groups to form vigilance squads to monitor and report drug-related activities.

Leading a padyatra in Kathua, Sinha described the initiative as a people’s movement , asserting that a drug-free society could only be achieved through united and sustained efforts.