Jammu: Asserting that the full force of law will be used to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced sweeping punitive measures, including confiscation of properties and cancellation of key documents like Aadhaar of the accused.
Leading a ‘padyatra’ (march) from M A Stadium to Parade Ground here to mark the beginning of a 100-day intensive campaign in J&K to make it drugs-free, the LG said, “Our neighbour is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation’s future.”
“Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay,” he said.
As per an official press release, the LG vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers.
“The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licences, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” he said.
He said the next three months are pivotal, with the campaign advancing in six clear phases: Awareness intensive drives, youth focused events, community engagement, strict enforcement, rehabilitation and evaluation. We will move forward with the whole of government approach to rid J&K of drug menace,” the LG said.
The LG emphasized that the eradication of drug addiction is a collective responsibility that rests upon us all.
“We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files but behind each lies a vivid story, a family’s struggle and agony.
“Drug-free J&K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family’s tragedy but a challenge to us all. Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse,” the LG said.
The LG said that drug abuse is among J&K’s gravest challenges and reaffirmed that the administration remains firmly committed to confronting drug abuse and ensuring a decisive victory against the menace.
“Bound by shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month-long people’s movement across J&K will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said.
In a stern warning, Sinha said that drug smugglers’ assets will be seized, ringleaders will be prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly.
He said new SoPs have been issued against drug traffickers.
“Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licences of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately.
“Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen and financial investigations will be launched,” he said.
The LG directed senior officers to take swift action on complaints and strengthen grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.
“Our strength lies in collective action. When departments unite with a shared purpose, we prevail,” he said, urging all to join hands to make the ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ a success.
“On April 2, we had notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026, ensuring every center is genuine, dedicated to patients affected by addiction, equipped with all required human resources, and under continuous monitoring. Action will be taken against centers operating without support staff or in violation of the rules,” the LG said.
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We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction.
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Drug-free J&K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family’s tragedy but a challenge to us all.
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Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law. Our neighbor is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation’s future. Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop.
“Since early 2021 we have moved beyond planning to decisive action for Drug-Free J&K. We are successfully implementing initiatives that have reached previously untouched communities, engaged youth in schools, and expanded rehabilitation services. No individual faces this battle alone; the administration stands firmly committed,” the LG said and called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women and athletes to participate in large numbers since they are the face, force and future of this campaign.
“The next three months will sow seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervor, debates steel youth resolve, quizzes embed awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; unity marches, padyatra inspire neighborhoods; marathons from panchayats to cities declare that J&K will never bow to drugs,” the LG said.
The LG emphasized that from village chaupals to district headquarters, every event must pulse with mass movement spirit, followed by reviews because feedback will be our compass to refine, strategize and act stronger.
“April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the first step of a transformative march. Let us build a movement so broad, so resolute, and so deeply people-driven that it lays the foundation of a drug-free J&K,” he further said.
On the occasion, the LG administered the “Anti-Drug Pledge” to the citizens and unveiled the official campaign mascot. Awareness video, singing and cultural performances by artists echoed the message of a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir.
Army’s White Knight Corps joins anti-drug campaign
The White Knight Corps of the Army on Saturday joined the 100-day ‘Nasha Mukht Abhiyan’ led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha which aims to eradicate the scourge of addiction from the Union territory, officials said.
Chief of Staff (COS) White Knight Corps launched a three-month-long series of public outreach activities as part of anti-drug campaign at Nagrota, reaffirming the Army’s commitment towards nation-building and societal resilience, a defence spokesman said.
The campaign commenced with a joint pledge ceremony followed by ‘padyatra’ by school children and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, symbolising a unified resolve to combat the menace of drug abuse.
“The initiative is being conducted in close synergy with civil administration, police authorities, medical agencies, educational institutions and community leaders, ensuring a whole-of-society approach,” the spokesman said.
Over the next 14 weeks, the campaign will focus on intensive awareness drives across schools and colleges, community engagement through influencers and religious leaders, and targeted outreach programmes aimed at sensitising youth and families, he said, adding that lectures, interactive sessions and testimonial engagements will form the core of awareness efforts, supported by digital amplification and grassroots participation.
The spokesman said the initiative will also facilitate early identification, counselling support and linkage with rehabilitation mechanisms, while promoting positive behavioural change through community participation and youth engagement activities.
This concerted effort reflects the enduring commitment of the Army to partner with state agencies and civil society in addressing social challenges, strengthening public trust and guiding the youth towards a constructive and drug-free future, the official added.
