J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha
By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said over 3,000 women’s committees have been formed across the Union Territory as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign, while 81 houses allegedly built using drug money have been demolished.
Addressing a march in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, Sinha said the administration was committed to strengthening the campaign against narcotics.
“It is now the administration’s duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively,” he said.
Referring to the 43-day anti-drug drive, the Lieutenant Governor said, “It has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force. Around 797 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars.”
He said 59 traffickers had been booked under PIT-NDPS provisions, while properties linked to the drug trade had also been targeted.
“81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers’ black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached,” Sinha said.
According to him, 457 driving licences have been suspended during the campaign. “Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also said the government was working on a rehabilitation policy for drug addicts.
“Our aim is not only to free addicted youth through de-addiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs,” he said.
Sinha said people across Jammu and Kashmir were determined to eliminate the drug menace and its links with militancy.
“Terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
