Ramban, Apr 16 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday accused Pakistan of orchestrating drug smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir to fund militancy and weaken the younger generation, asserting that authorities will dismantle the entire network and act against every smuggler.
“We will map every hotspot. And I promise you: we will hit each one like a surgical strike. Not a single smuggler will be spared. The entire network will be dismantled,” Sinha said at a public meeting in Ramban during the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign.
Calling drug abuse a “social cancer”, the Lieutenant Governor said the menace goes beyond law and order and requires a united response. “Drug abuse isn't just a law & order issue but a social cancer requiring every part of society to fight,” he said, urging a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach.
Sinha said Pakistan has, for decades, used narcotics trafficking to finance militancy in the region. He stressed that coordinated efforts by administration and society are essential to break the supply chains and prevent addiction.
Leading a padyatra from District Police Line to the District Administrative Complex, Sinha was joined by officials, public representatives, civil society members, religious leaders, traders, youth and students, who pledged to eradicate drug abuse.
Mentioning community responsibility, he said: “If the neighbour's house is on fire, yours is not safe. Because drugs don't spread like flames but they spread like wind.” He added that a united society strengthens the law and creates an environment where “the dealer fears law” and those recovering from addiction feel supported.
The Lieutenant Governor called for the formation of women’s vigilance committees in every panchayat and ward, terming women the “frontline of this war.” He urged families not to stigmatise addicts. “Don’t call him a criminal. Call him a patient. But that patient needs society's help,” he said.
Addressing the youth, Sinha said drugs are “not cool but slavery,” asking them to channel their energy into sports, arts and education. He said the administration will prioritise treatment, identification and rehabilitation.
He also ordered strict monitoring of de-addiction centres, warning of immediate closure of any facility operating illegally or harming patients. “If any centre is found operating illegally… it must be shut down within 24 hours… No one should be spared,” he said.
Directing police to break supply chains, Sinha asked for identification of all traffickers at police station level and dismantling of networks across Ramban. He said a comprehensive strategy has been rolled out covering every ward and panchayat.
“The time for silence is over… If we fail today, future generations won't forgive us,” he said, urging citizens to ensure no drug dealer finds shelter and every addict is guided towards recovery.
The Lieutenant Governor also administered an anti-drug pledge and flagged off a bike rally, as awareness programmes were held to mobilise public participation.