To achieve the goal of making Jammu and Kashmir free from the menace of drug addiction, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday announced the formation of an informal "parents brigade" in every village and city, wherever possible.
The objective behind constituting the "parents brigade" is to ensure the involvement of all family members in the fight against drug abuse.
The Lieutenant Governor said the initiative aims to create a voluntary network of parents, women, and youth who will be trained and empowered to identify early signs of drug use in villages and wards and to promptly connect affected families with appropriate support resources.
Launching the Drug-Free J&K campaign in central Kashmir's Budgam district, the Lieutenant Governor assured citizens that every arm of the administration would act with resolve and unity to tackle the issue and ensure the threat is effectively eliminated.
He appealed to every family and social organisation, as well as spiritual and political leaders in Budgam to intensify the Drug-Free J&K campaign across the district. He also assured them that the administration, in its full strength, is committed to eradicating drug abuse.
The Lieutenant Governor said the entire Budgam district must unite against the poison of drugs that is destroying the lives of the youth.
"I believe that every young person lost to addiction is a loss to our future workforce and a lost soldier for our police and armed forces. Every family broken by addiction is a crack in the foundation of our society," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that in this war against drugs, society must accept the reality that many boys and girls are in the grip of narcotics. He emphasised that there is no harm in acknowledging this, as they are our own children—victims, not criminals—who need compassion, care, and support.
"Furthermore, the public must eliminate the stigma so that families do not suffer in silence. This mindset must change because, in today's circumstances, silence will not defeat this menace. People must raise their voices," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor further stated that drug addiction is not just a health issue but also a matter of national security. He noted that drugs entering society not only destroy the aspirations and self-confidence of the youth but also fund terrorism and radicalisation.
"The entire world knows that our neighbour, a major patron of terrorism, is smuggling drugs into Jammu and Kashmir. Drug trafficking and terror funding are no longer separate issues—they are two hands of the same enemy. When we fight drugs, we also fight terror. When we protect our youth, we protect our nation," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said he launched the Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir campaign on April 11 in Jammu with the belief that no enemy, however conspiratorial, can stand against a united society.
"Law enforcement agencies alone cannot win this war, nor can the administration. But together, every teacher, parent, spiritual leader, elder, doctor, youth, and woman becomes an invincible force. I have full faith that Budgam will carry this campaign forward in this spirit," he said.
He added that 76 days remain in the 100-day campaign, and during this period, society must prove that when people unite against a social evil, every citizen emerges victorious.
"I have directed every police station in the Kashmir Valley to gather complete information on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their jurisdiction and take decisive action within 30 days. We are monitoring every financial transaction of drug cartels, and action will be taken not only against small-time peddlers but also against major smugglers. Palaces built with drug money will be razed to the ground," he said.
He also urged citizens to actively participate in the awareness campaign and become the eyes and ears of the police and administration.
"If you notice any suspicious activity in any part of Budgam, report it immediately. With your cooperation, we will ensure that no drug peddler operates in any village, neighbourhood, or college. I want to warn drug smugglers and those linked to narco-terror networks that your time in Budgam is over. Our agencies know who you are, and our administration is coming after you. I assure every resident that not a single offender will escape accountability," the Lieutenant Governor said.
