Srinagar, May 3:
In a decisive move to eradicate substance abuse and break the spine of narco-terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, today chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar.
The meeting assessed the district-wise progress of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan and outlined strict, measurable action plans for the remaining 78 days of the administration’s accelerated 100-day campaign.
Top Brass Mobilized for Regional Crackdown
The high-level meeting was attended by the top echelons of the civil administration and police force. Key attendees included:
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Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary
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Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP
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Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department
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Shri S.J.M. Gillani, Spl DG Coordination PHQ
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Shri Nitish Kumar, ADGP, CID
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Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG
Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the Kashmir Division, and various divisional commissioners also joined the review.
A 78-Day Countdown: Grassroots Action and Community Engagement
Reviewing the campaign’s progress, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the need for a focused, time-bound strategy. He directed all district administrations to deliver measurable outcomes in dismantling narcotics networks over the next 78 days.
“We must transform this campaign into a sustained mass movement by intensifying engagement at the Panchayat and Ward levels,” the Lieutenant Governor emphasized.
He called upon the active participation of local stakeholders—including religious leaders, educationists, traders, youth groups, and social activists—to serve as the bedrock of the movement.
Targeting ‘Narco Palaces’ & Choking the Network
Reiterating a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics, LG Sinha outlined direct, punitive financial and administrative actions against drug traffickers:
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Asset Seizures: Directives were issued for the prompt identification and seizure of properties—referred to as “narco palaces”—linked to drug smugglers and narcoterrorists.
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Document Cancellation: Swift implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to cancel or suspend driving licenses, passports, and other official documents of convicted peddlers.
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Pharmacy Crackdowns: Intensified inspections of pharmaceutical establishments to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs, alongside strict surveillance around schools and colleges.
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Unauthorized Centers: Immediate closure of fake or uncertified drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to ensure only authorized facilities operate.
Channeling Youth Energy Through Sports & Community Initiatives
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted youth engagement as a critical pillar in reducing the demand for drugs. He instructed Deputy Commissioners to fast-track the development of playfields in all panchayats.
Furthermore, he called for regular sports competitions under the banner of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan to encourage talent and keep the youth away from substance abuse. The administration will also prioritize the strengthening of Mahila Samitis (women’s committees) and Youth Clubs to monitor local trends and assist in early intervention.
Focus on Upcoming Major Events
Concluding the high-level review, the Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to establish comprehensive security and logistical arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of major upcoming religious events, including the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra and Muharram.
