Drug addiction, terrorism two faces of same coin: Sinha

Narco-terror network inflicted suffering on generations for decades

Anantnag, May 09: Stating that narco-terror network has inflicted suffering on erations of Jammu Kashmir for decades, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that drug addiction and terrorism are two faces of the same coin.

Addressing a public gathering here in South Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to the news agency said, “Our neighboring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir by design. The drug money has been used to build narco-palaces by drug smugglers and a large portion of drug money is being used for terrorism and radicalization. While drugs are ruining the future of Jammu Kashmir’s youth on one hand, on the other, terror outfits are using that money to buy weapons and that are shedding the blood of our brothers and sisters in the UT.”

The Lieutenant Governor joined Padyatra at Anantnag as part of “Drug-Free J&K Campaign” and walked with thousands of participants along the streets of the historic town.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon police and civil administration to cover every panchayat of Anantnag, and especially reach out to vulnerable areas of the district in next 71 days of campaign.

“A decisive blow is being dealt to the drug smugglers’ network in Anantnag district. Since 11th April, the highest number of 108 NDPS cases have been registered in Anantnag. Narco-palaces worth Rs. 3.5 crore, built with the black money from drugs, have been reduced to dust. 22 vehicles have been seized, 8 driving licenses and vehicle registrations have been cancelled. 13 drug stores have been sealed for violating the law.

I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched, and the entire machinery involved in the drug smuggling will be uprooted from its roots,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor stated that the women and youth are the greatest strength of this war on drugs. He said if a family member or a neighbor’s youth is going astray, women and youth club members should bring them back onto the path of correction, and seek the administration’s help if needed.

Religious leaders are regarded as the people’s leaders and guides. I want them to provide spiritual and moral guidance to the youth and to warn them about the dangers of drugs. I want to reiterate that this battle is not just the administration’s

Break silence to win the war

The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the people to break the silence to win this war against drugs and all sections of society must speak in one voice about the dangers of drug addiction.

The Lieutenant Governor said that in this war against drugs, administration and society must understand the link between drugs and terrorism and everyone should join hands to defeat it.

The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated his commitment to ensure justice to every terror victim family.

Lays Foundation stone for various sports infrastructure projects

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stone for various sports infrastructure development projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in the District.

Artists through traditional Nukad Natak, Baand Pather and a Mime play centered on the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan raised awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, encouraging young people to stay healthy and contribute to a drug-free society—(KNO).