Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, participated in the ‘Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir’ campaign in Baramulla town, engaging with citizens and joining a Padyatra. He introduced two key initiatives under the campaign for the next 69 days: the Community Immunisation Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative. L-G Sinha emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating drug abuse, comparing it to vaccination against diseases.
The Community Immunisation initiative aims to work with religious leaders and social groups to create drug-free zones in high-risk areas. L-G Sinha urged schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to raise awareness and monitor drug hotspots. The Family Fortress Initiative focuses on leveraging family and community support to prevent drug addiction by hosting weekly family dialogues on drugs in educational and religious institutions.
In the past month, over 2,35,000 awareness events have been conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, with more than 44,000 patients treated and numerous arrests made in connection with drug trafficking. Stringent actions have been taken against drug cartels, including seizing assets and recommending cancellations of licenses linked to drug smuggling. Enforcement agencies have intensified efforts, with increased inspections of drug stores and the installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring.
L-G Sinha assured strict measures under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, targeting drug traffickers’ financial transactions and assets. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat drug abuse, highlighting the public’s significant role in the ongoing campaign. The focus remains on treating addicts with dignity and compassion, aiming to reintegrate them into society and create drug-free communities.
