3-Month Drug-Free Mission in J&K: Passports, Aadhaar, Driving Licences of Offenders to Be Cancelled

Reiterating his resolve to make the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir free from the menace of drug addiction within three months, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced that strict and exemplary action will be taken against those involved in narco-terrorism.

Launching a 100-day "Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir" campaign from MA Stadium in Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor asserted that those destroying the future of the youth will not be spared at any cost.

He announced stringent punitive measures, including the cancellation of passports, Aadhaar cards, and the attachment of properties belonging to drug smugglers.

He said that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility, noting that the menace has spread to every village, district, and section of society.

"We have given voice to a resolve that will reach every village, town, city, home, and heartbeat in the Union Territory, fulfilling the pledge of a drug-free region," 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 a whole-of-government approach to rid J&K of the drug menace," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The lieutenant governor emphasised that the eradication of drug addiction is a collective responsibility that rests upon all.

"We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. Drug addiction statistics reflect mere percentages and case files, but behind each lies a vivid story—a family's struggle and agony," he pointed out.

"The 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 all of us. Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse," he said.

The lieutenant governor said that drug abuse is among J&K's gravest challenges, and the administration stands firm in its commitment to confront and overcome it.

"Bound by a 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 ensure that every individual understands the issue, turning awareness into responsibility through public participation," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers to free the Union Territory from the grip of the drug menace.

"Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law. 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.

In a stern warning, the Lieutenant Governor stated that drug smugglers' assets will be seized, ringleaders prosecuted, and punishment delivered swiftly.

"The administration will confiscate all property and revoke licenses, passports, and Aadhaar and freeze bank accounts of those involved. This crackdown on drug smugglers will echo through generations," he said.

"We have issued a new SOP against drug traffickers. Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards, 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 launched," he added.

On April 2, the UT administration notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026, ensuring that every centre is genuine, dedicated to patients affected by addiction, equipped with the required human resources, and under continuous monitoring. Action will be taken against centres operating without support staff or in violation of the rules.

The Lieutenant Governor directed senior officers to ensure swift action on complaints and to strengthen grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars, and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.

"Our strength in the drug-free J&K campaign lies in collective action. When departments unite with a shared purpose, we prevail," he said, adding, "Since early 2021, we have moved beyond planning to decisive action for a 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 lieutenant governor called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women, and athletes to participate in large numbers, as they are the face, force, and future of this campaign.

"The next three months will sow the seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervour, debates strengthen youth resolve, and quizzes build awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; let unity marches and padyatras inspire neighbourhoods; and marathons from panchayats to cities declare that J&K will never bow to drugs," he said.

The lieutenant governor emphasised that from village chaupals to district headquarters, every event must reflect the spirit of a mass movement, followed by regular reviews, as feedback will serve as a compass to refine strategies and strengthen action.

"April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the first step of a transformative march. Let us build a movement so broad, resolute, and deeply people-driven that it lays the foundation for a drug-free J&K," he added.