LG Sinha Launches Two Anti-Drug Initiatives Focused on Family and Community Support

SRINAGAR, May 12: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday unveiled two new community driven initiatives under the ongoing J&K anti drug campaign, stressing that people battling addiction should be rehabilitated with compassion and reintegrated into mainstream society.
The Lieutenant Governor launched the Community Immunisation Programme and the Family Fortress Initiative during a public outreach event and anti-drug march in Baramulla as part of the 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’, which began on April 5.
Describing the two programmes as key pillars of the campaign’s next phase, Sinha said the administration aims to create a social shield against substance abuse through active public participation, awareness drives and family engagement over the next 69 days.
Under the Community Immunisation Programme, the administration will work with religious institutions, social organisations and local volunteers to identify and monitor five to 10 vulnerable areas in every district. Schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and NGOs have been urged to dedicate weekly awareness sessions to discourage drug abuse and strengthen early intervention systems.
Highlighting the role of families in prevention and recovery, Sinha said the Family Fortress Initiative will encourage regular community discussions in educational institutions and places of worship to promote open conversations about addiction and identify gaps in local anti-drug efforts.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign has witnessed large-scale public participation across Jammu and Kashmir, with over 2.35 lakh awareness and outreach programmes organised during the past month. He added that more than 44,000 people have received treatment through OPD services while enforcement agencies have intensified action against narcotics networks.
According to official figures shared by Sinha, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, properties worth crores linked to illegal trade have been seized and financial transactions associated with drug cartels are being tracked. Authorities have also recommended cancellation of around 300 driving licences and over 400 vehicle registrations connected to narcotics-related activities.
He said enforcement teams inspected more than 3,300 medical stores across the Union Territory, leading to suspension of 150 licences for violations. Nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras have also been installed in pharmacies to improve monitoring.
Sinha further said more than two dozen accused have been booked under the PITNDPS Act, warning that authorities would continue targeting assets and shell companies linked to drug trafficking networks.
Referring to rehabilitation efforts, the Lieutenant Governor said the response to addiction must be based on scientific understanding rather than social stigma. He noted that nearly 3,000 people have sought counselling and support through the Tele-MANAS service during the campaign period.
Calling for collective responsibility, Sinha urged citizens and officials to work together in creating drug-free villages and towns across Jammu and Kashmir.