Drug trafficking, terror funding two hands of same enemy: Sinha

Over 60,000 people join Padyatra in Budgam; Police lodge 481 FIRs, arrest 500 accused in 24 days

Srinagar, May 5: Likening drug trafficking with terror funding, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that these are two hands of the same enemy and the war against narcotics can only be won by putting collective efforts.

The Lieutenant Governor joined a large people’s movement in Budgam today as part of drug-free J&K campaign and assured the citizens that every arm of administration would act with resolve and unity to confront the issue and ensure that the threat is effectively eliminated.

Addressing a huge gathering of over 60,000 people, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against drugs is not merely a social issue but a serious matter needed to be resolved on priority. “The entire world knows that our neighbour, a major patron of terrorism, is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir. Drug trafficking and terror funding are no longer separate issues-they are two hands of the same enemy. We must remember that when we fight against drugs, we are also fighting against terror. When we protect our youth, we protect our nation,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that he launched the Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir campaign 24 days ago on 11th April in Jammu with the faith that no enemy, no matter how conspiratorial, can stand before a united society.

The Lieutenant Governor appealed to every family, social organization, spiritual and political leaders in Budgam to intensify drug-free J&K campaign across the district and assured them that the administration and its full strength is committed to eradicating drugs.

Highlighting the scale of action taken so far, LG Sinha said that in the past 24 days, security agencies across Jammu and Kashmir have registered almost 481 FIRs and arrested more than 500 individuals involved in drug-related activities.

“Their properties are being seized and the entire financial network linked to drug trafficking is under strict surveillance,” he said, adding that authorities are targeting both street-level peddlers as well as major drug kingpins.

The Lieutenant Governor said the entire district of Budgam must stand against the poison of drugs that is destroying the souls of our youth. He said in this 100-days campaign, people have 76 days left and in these 76 days, we must prove that when society decides to fight against a social evil, every citizen wins.

“I have directed every police station in the Kashmir Valley to gather full 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 ensured not just against small-time peddlers but against major smugglers. The palaces built with drug money will be razed to the ground,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also urged every citizen to participate actively in the awareness campaign and become the eyes and ears of the police and administration.