Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today joined ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Campaign’ in Ganderbal.
“Having now visited every district in Kashmir Valley & stood with each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has risen,” the LG said in his address to the people on the occasion.
As per an official press release, he said in the past 55 days, 1,036 FIRs have been registered, 1,128 drug smugglers have been arrested, more than 100 properties of smugglers have been attached, nearly 700 driving licenses have been cancelled, and recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 130 drug smugglers.
“Fifty-five days ago, from the soil of Jammu, I declared that enough is enough. What began as a war against drugs and narco-terrorism has now ignited into a true people’s movement, a movement born of courage, sustained by spirit, and driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens. Today, that resolve stands stronger than ever,” the LG said.
The LG assured proper rehabilitation of those who have fallen into drug addiction.
“With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling, and new employment opportunities, we are opening new doors. People must remember that this is not simply a government programme, but it is a social revolution. Together, we will ensure that no drug smugglers or peddlers ever find a place in Jammu & Kashmir.
“Fifty-five days ago, I stood on Jammu’s soil and declared that we would free our children from the poison of drugs, protect our families from being torn apart by drug addiction, and refuse to let our people become hostages to narco-terrorists who profit from suffering and funding terrorism with their black money. We have launched a war against narco-terrorists, who seek to destroy the future of our youth,” the LG said.
The LG observed that in every march across Jammu & Kashmir, he spoke about how drugs are destroying the future of people, robbing them of their ability, their dreams, and their dignity and how the proceeds from drug smuggling is used in buying weapons, and spreading terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.
“This is not simply a matter of ordinary crime but it is also a question of national security and a direct threat to the very survival of our society. The narco-terrorists, whether sitting in neighbouring countries or operating inside Jammu & Kashmir, are enemies of our people. They are enemies of our children. They are enemies of our progress. Let me make this clear that narco-terrorists operating in Jammu Kashmir will have to pay a heavy price,” the LG said.
The LG further observed that the administration will ensure that those who have harmed our youth face justice so severe that the world will remember their punishment.
The LG called upon mothers, sisters, and daughters to rise as protectors of our villages, cities and neighbourhoods. He also called upon the youth of Jammu & Kashmir to stand as guardians of their schools and colleges.
“I promise to the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Narco-Terrorists days are numbered. Their networks will be dismantled, one by one. This is my oath, my solemn promise that every narco-terrorist will answer for their crimes and their sins,” the LG said.
On the occasion, the LG launched Sindh Samvad, a podcast series and also felicitated the winners of various competitions organised under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’.
LG inaugurates Yatri Bhawan, Emergency Operations Centre ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tulmulla and dedicated an Emergency Operations Centre and Amarnath Yatra Control Room in Ganderbal, aimed at improving pilgrim facilities and strengthening monitoring arrangements ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
Inaugurating the Yatri Bhawan at the Kheer Bhawani temple, Sinha said the facility would significantly enhance the shrine’s capacity to host devotees visiting from across the country and abroad.
The temple at Tulmulla, located around 25 kilometres from Srinagar, is one of the most important religious sites in Kashmir and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, particularly during Mela Kheer Bhawani and Jyeshtha Ashtami.
According to officials, the Yatri Bhawan has been constructed at a cost of ₹3.85 crore within the temple premises. The ground-plus-two RCC structure, with a plinth area of 3,885 square feet, is designed to accommodate around 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor bedding arrangements.
Recalling the genesis of the project, the Lieutenant Governor said several delegations had approached him in 2023 seeking better accommodation facilities for visiting devotees. The project was subsequently designed by the Rural Engineering Wing of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, and its foundation stone was laid on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024.
“With Mata Kheer Bhawani’s blessings, I laid the foundation stone in 2024. The project will enhance the capacity of the shrine to host pilgrims visiting from India and abroad and provide the Kashmiri Pandit community with better facilities and a serene spiritual experience,” Sinha said.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.
Later, Sinha inaugurated the District Emergency Operations Centre and Amarnath Yatra Control Room established at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Ganderbal.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the facilities, stating that the Emergency Operations Centre will integrate CCTV feeds installed by the district administration, police and security agencies, enabling real-time monitoring of the Yatra from a centralised location.
The centre will also be supported by a round-the-clock emergency helpline for immediate assistance and crisis response. It will monitor CCTV feeds from the Baltal base camp, parking areas, approach roads, Sonmarg and the Manigam transit camp.
Officials said the facility will play a crucial role in planning, coordination and decision-making during the annual pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
