Kulgam, Jun 1 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said more than 1,000 drug peddlers have been arrested and over 600 driving licences suspended as part of a sustained anti-narcotics campaign, asserting that the administration will not rest until the Union Territory is made drug-free.
Addressing a public gathering at Laroo Bus Stand here, LG Sinha said 923 FIRs have been registered under anti-narcotics operations in the last 50 days, while 56 major peddlers have been detained under preventive measures. He also said 124 passports have been recommended for cancellation.
“I stand before you as a member of your family to support your struggle and your dream of a safe, secure and Nasha Mukt J&K,” the LG said.
LG Sinha stressed that drug-addicted youth should not be treated as criminals but as victims deserving dignity and rehabilitation. “They are real victims and must be treated with respect, compassion and care,” he said.
He announced that modern de-addiction centres will be established in every district and a rehabilitation policy has been framed after consultations with experts.
The LG said the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan’, launched 51 days ago, has transformed from a government drive into a mass public movement involving families, schools, religious leaders and civil society.
“As long as even one group involved in drugs exists in J&K, this campaign will continue,” Sinha said, acknowledging that the menace cannot be eradicated in 100 days but asserting that the collective social resolve against it would not weaken. (KNS)
