Calls upon security agencies to remain alert
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, May 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today accused Pakistan of financing terror through drug smuggling.
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In his address at Kupwara to an anti-drug rally, the LG said: “Our terrorist neighbour is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris.”
Sinha said that the drug smuggling is destroying families and communities and it is providing terror groups their oxygen. “By dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror,” he added.
“This fight against drugs is a long one. For decades, people in Jammu & Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. But they are not two problems but they are the two heads of the same snake. One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism,” he said.
The LG urged the security agencies to remain alert in the border district against drug smuggling from across the Line of Control.
“In Kupwara and Handwara areas combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” he said.
He said that every police station in Kupwara has been directed to gather full details on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their areas and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
Sinha said that over the past 32 days, civil and police administration struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” he added.
The LG stated that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.
The LG urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in awareness drive. He also emphasized on rehabilitation and asked the officers and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as a victim trapped in the dark web of narcotics.
“The drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counseling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream,” he said.
Sinha said that the senior officials must ensure swift action on every complaint and tip coming through the Manas portal and toll-free number. “This has to be done with commitment. Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress,” he said.
Without naming any politician, the LG challenged those criticizing ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ and said that they should name just one innocent person who was unfairly targeted and effective action will be taken.
“If anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves should they face consequences or not?” he asked.
The LG said that people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm and they want stringent action against drug smugglers and when the people unite, no force can stop us.
“In the days ahead, our crackdown against drug smuggling will grow tougher and more powerful. The women of Dardpora village had met and they shared how drug smuggling funded weapons that slaughtered their families. That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” he said.
Earlier, Sinha joined ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ Padyatra in Kupwara and on the occasion, he unveiled the trophies of Kupwara Forest League by Forest Department and Youth Service and Sports’s Volleyball Championship under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. He also felicitated the winner of reel making competition on drug abuse.
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