The decision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to continue the fight against drugs beyond the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan seems to be the right step which deserves strong public support. His statement that the fight against narcotics was far from over as J&K’s fight against drugs and narco-terror has entered a decisive phase is the testimony to the fact that administration this time is committed to root out this scourge from the soil of the Union Territory without any concessions.
It is time that people abetting illegal drugs menace should get ready to face the strictest action under the law. It is good that in this context, the LG’s approach and stand are clear that the combat against substance abuse and illegal drug networks is not limited to a fixed period; it is a continuous process to make J&K completely drug-free.
It is unfortunate that drug abuse has emerged as one of the biggest challenges for the region, especially because it is affecting the future of the youth. The growing number of young people trapped in addiction is not only a social concern but also a threat to families, communities and the overall progress of the nation. Drugs destroy health, weaken families, increase crime and create conditions that can be misused by anti-national elements.
Therefore, completely eradicating the menace of illegal drugs must remain a top priority. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the fight must continue with greater strength until the entire illegal trade ecosystem is dismantled in the Union Territory. Those closely watching the approach of the administration against the drugs in J&K during the last over three months cannot deny that the action remained proactive and need based with registration of thousands of FIRs, the dismantling of drug networks, identification of drug hotspots and attachment of properties linked to narcotics.
Through this campaign a powerful warning that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in J&K has reached the concerned quarters and it is likely that sooner rather than later, J&L will see the ray of light with drugs menacing getting eliminated once and for all. What is laudable in the execution of Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan is the fact that the administration has not only emphasized on the enforcement alone; rather it has also stressed on community awareness, rehabilitation and de-addiction support to make this endeavour complete in all aspects.
The LG’s personal efforts also remained phenomenal as he spearheaded the campaign in all the 20 districts without any exceptions giving a message to the people that together the desired results can be achieved fully.
