Sinha Calls for Drug-Free J&K and People-Centric Policing

LG stresses dismantling narco-terror networks, merit-based recruitment and integrity in police service

Jammu/Srinagar, Sep 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called for a coordinated fight against drug abuse and narco-terrorism while urging newly appointed police officers to serve the people with courage, integrity and compassion.

Addressing two separate programmes in Jammu and Srinagar, Sinha underlined the need for stronger public participation in the fight against drugs and emphasised that policing must remain firmly rooted in justice, social harmony and the protection of citizens’ rights.

In Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor launched a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, organised by the University of Jammu. He commended the university for highlighting the challenges faced by the youth of Jammu Kashmir and for contributing to efforts aimed at creating a drug-free society.

Sinha said meaningful social change begins with acknowledging the realities confronting society. He described drug abuse as a serious challenge to the social fabric of Jammu Kashmir, affecting families and threatening the future of the younger generation.

He also highlighted the connection between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, stressing the importance of dismantling such networks to strengthen peace, security and the campaign for a drug-free Jammu Kashmir.

Recalling the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020, Sinha said the initiative gained further momentum with the launch of a comprehensive 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan in April this year.

He said the campaign extended beyond formal programmes to villages, schools, universities and families. Padyatras, awareness drives and administrative action helped turn the initiative into a people’s movement, with women, youth clubs, teachers, doctors, civil society groups and religious leaders contributing to awareness and rehabilitation efforts.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted a three-pronged strategy focusing on dismantling drug supply chains, creating awareness and ensuring rehabilitation. He also referred to the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, aimed at helping affected youth return to mainstream society and lead healthy and responsible lives.

“I am happy that, in this direction, the University of Jammu has stepped forward and is playing its role through today’s initiatives,” Sinha said, adding that students had also attempted to understand different aspects of drug de-addiction under the guidance of faculty members.

He urged university students to become messengers, participants and guardians of the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan by engaging their peers, countering misconceptions about drugs and extending support to those struggling with addiction.

Sinha also stressed the importance of making educational institutions drug-free and called for cooperation among youth, the administration, health institutions, civil society groups and youth organisations.

He expressed the expectation that the documentary would be screened in every department of the University of Jammu and in other educational institutions across the Jammu division to expand awareness about the campaign.

In a separate event at Srinagar, Sinha handed over appointment letters to 29 newly selected officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Service at a function held at Lok Bhavan.

Congratulating the newly appointed officers, he praised the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for conducting an intense and transparent selection process and for upholding fairness, impartiality and credibility.

Sinha said the recruitment process since 2019 had helped strengthen a system in which government employment could be secured through qualifications, hard work and talent rather than recommendations.

Recalling the Jammu and Kashmir Employment Festival of 2022, he said the process had encouraged people from ordinary families to believe that their children could rise to important government positions through merit.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, now a government job is not obtained with a recommendation, but with the qualifications and qualities of a young man,” Sinha said.

Addressing the newly appointed police officers, the Lieutenant Governor said their appointment letters carried the faith and expectations of the people of Jammu Kashmir. He said their responsibilities would extend beyond counter-terrorism to include upholding the law, maintaining social harmony and protecting citizens’ rights.

Uniform carries responsibility, risks: DGP

Srinagar, Sep 18: Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Friday congratulated the newly selected candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Services, saying that wearing the police uniform carries immense responsibility and comes with challenges, including risks to life.

Addressing the newly selected candidates on the sidelines of a function at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, DGP Prabhat said the occasion was a moment of happiness for the candidates and their families. “Today is a day of happiness for you and your families. You must also realise that wearing the uniform is not easy. It comes with responsibility,” the DGP said.

He said the candidates would face several challenges during their service and may encounter situations where their lives could be at risk. “There will be challenges with this responsibility and there will be a risk to your lives. But I hope that during your training, you will be made strong enough to face every situation,” Prabhat said.

The DGP said the training would equip the newly selected officers with the skills and confidence required to meet the demands of police service and discharge their duties with dedication. “When you come to the academy, I will speak to you in detail and interact with you personally,” he said.