‘Driving license, passports of drug peddlers to be cancelled’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the government is coming up with a comprehensive policy for rehabilitation of drug abuse victims in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Sinha told reporters at the Lok Bhavan that policy is being formulated and is coming up in a couple of weeks. He said that the administration is working on a three-year monitoring programme for rehabilitation of drug abuse victims.
“We are also creating a detailed rehabilitation plan, so that if someone gets into drug addiction and then gets out, we can track them for three years and make complete arrangements for their rehabilitation,” he added.
The LG said that more rehabilitation centres would be built, the infrastructure in the existing ones would also be ramped up.
“It is true that we need to build more rehabilitation centres. But those cannot be built immediately, so, in the rehabilitation centres that exist, arrangements are being made for their (victims) treatment. The Health Department has been instructed that both OPD and IPD facilities should be sufficiently available for such people in our hospitals,” he said.
The LG said that administration is mulling stringent measures, including the cancellation of driving licenses and recommending revocation of passports of the drug peddlers.
“An SOP has been issued stating that anyone caught in drug trafficking will not only face a criminal case, but their driving licenses will be cancelled. If they have a vehicle, its registration will be terminated. If they have a passport, there will be a recommendation to cancel the passport,” he said.
“Bank accounts will be frozen, action will be taken on Aadhaar cards, and if absconding, a lookout notice will be issued, and their property will be attached under the NDPS Act,” ” he added.
The LG said the administration is roping in religious and political leaders to create awareness in society.
“This work can only be accomplished with everyone’s cooperation. I feel that the people here have decided to fight a decisive battle. When the police’s baton, the fear of law, and the power of society all come together, I believe success is achieved more easily,” he said.
Sinha said he believes that the drug trafficking is linked to terrorism and radicalisation of youth in J&K.
“Some drug traffickers might be building narco palaces, becoming economically prosperous. But ultimately, most of the money ends up fuelling terrorism and radicalisation,” he added.
The LG launched a 100-day campaign in J&K on April 11 from MA Stadium in Jammu. So far, foot marches have taken place in eight districts of Jammu division.
“I feel that in 21 days, its widespread impact is visible. Roughly, more than 50- 60 lakh people have participated in various campaigns so far. There has also been a significant increase in the registration of cases in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, and these actions are also being carried out very effectively,” he said.
As part of the campaign, the LG would lead a foot march to Lal Chowk tomorrow from the astroturf football stadium at TRC Chowk in Srinagar.
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