To assist authorities in achieving the 100-day target of making Jammu and Kashmir free from the menace of drug addiction, women have come forward to shoulder the responsibility of creating awareness in society against this deadly scourge, which is rapidly consuming the younger generation of the Union Territory.
With the active participation of women, as many as 1,947 women's committees have been established across 10 districts in the Jammu division, with a large number of volunteers joining the fight against narco-terrorism.
While the involvement of some women in drug trafficking has also been reported, a significant number have stepped forward to take this fight to its logical conclusion.
On April 11, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha set a 100-day deadline to make Jammu and Kashmir free from drug addiction. The formation of women's committees at the mohalla level is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target.
The Lieutenant Governor has already sought the support of every section of society, including religious leaders and women, to eradicate this menace from Jammu and Kashmir.
While launching the Nasha Mukti campaign in Reasi district on Friday, the lieutenant governor stated that 1,947 women's committees have been formed across districts in the Jammu division since the beginning of the campaign on April 11. He expressed confidence that, with the support of mothers and sisters, this social "cancer" can be eradicated.
"We must build a historic movement—one that rises from homes, schools, mohallas, and communities; a movement that begins with open and honest dialogue in towns and villages. Mothers and sisters are the moral bedrock of our society, and with their help, we can win this battle," he said.
The lieutenant governor launched the 'Drug-Free J&K Campaign' in Reasi, urging communities, institutions, and individuals to unite against drug abuse, which he warned is eroding the very foundations of society.
He called for a broad-based people's movement, noting that over the past 12 days, a collective force has emerged across the Union Territory, with citizens showing strong resolve to make the region free from narcotics.
"With collective strength, we must raise society's voice against the scourge of narcotics. Drugs are a wound in the heart of our society. To heal this wound, we need a people's movement that mobilises the full strength of society to eradicate drugs at their roots. The 'Nasha Mukt J&K' campaign reminds us that the strongest pillars of society are the rule of law, constitutional values, a sense of duty, and the spirit of Jan Bhagidari," he added.
The Lieutenant Governor urged NGOs, social workers, and spiritual leaders to join the campaign in large numbers across both urban and rural areas.
"Social organisations, spiritual leaders, and educators are the frontline guardians of this mission. I firmly believe that through their leadership, hope can be rekindled and society renewed. The full strength of the government and the community stands with them," he said.
Major achievements in first 12 days of Nasha Mukti campaign
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign over the past 12 days, the lieutenant governor said that in the Jammu division, between April 11 and April 22, a large number of cases were registered and several drug smugglers were arrested. Narcotics worth nearly Rs 3 crore were seized, and properties worth about Rs 1 crore were attached.
Key achievements in 12 days include:
- Narcotics worth Rs 3 crore seized
- Properties worth Rs 1 crore attached
- 187 driving licences of drug traffickers cancelled
- Registration of four vehicles cancelled
- Financial investigations initiated against 48 drug peddlers
- Licences of 15 drug and chemist shops cancelled
- Over two dozen notorious drug traffickers identified
"Properties of drug smugglers have been demolished. A total of 187 driving licences and four vehicle registrations have been cancelled. Financial investigations have been initiated against 48 drug peddlers. Drug and chemist shops have been inspected, and 15 licences have been cancelled. Drug users have been referred to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, and counselling has also been provided," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor added that over two dozen drug traffickers have already been identified and will be tracked down and held accountable. He noted that thousands of peddlers remain under surveillance in the Jammu division and will be relentlessly pursued until apprehended.
"Security checks have been intensified around schools, colleges, and other vulnerable areas. Those involved in poisoning the future of our youth through drug trafficking will face the harshest consequences under the law," he said.
He also emphasised that drug traffickers and terrorists often operate in tandem and should be treated as allies in crime.
"Our response must be decisive, thorough, and unyielding. Every route exploited by drug smugglers must be monitored, every financial network dismantled, and every asset seized until these networks are completely destroyed," he observed.
The lieutenant governor noted that for over a decade, Jammu and Kashmir has borne the silent burden of drug abuse, and this historic people's movement aims to break that silence once and for all.
