Jammu, 09 May 2026: A sharp attack was launched on the National Conference-Congress government in Jammu and Kashmir over its alleged failure to curb the growing drug menace in the Union Territory during a press conference addressed by BJP spokespersons Rajni Sethi, Ankit Gupta, and Parimoksh Seth.
The BJP spokespersons stated that despite being in power for the last one and a half years, the NC-Congress government has failed to take effective action against drug trafficking and addiction, which have emerged as some of the biggest challenges facing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP leaders appreciated the strong initiatives taken by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha under the recently launched 100-day anti-drug campaign. They highlighted that strict action is being taken across Jammu and Kashmir against drug peddlers and traffickers. Measures such as cancellation of Aadhaar cards of drug peddlers, seizure of illegal properties, and demolition of structures linked to the drug trade are being carried out as part of the campaign. BJP leaders described these steps as bold and necessary to save the younger generation from the dangerous effects of narcotics.
However, the BJP strongly criticized the statements made by NC leaders, especially Health Minister Sakina Itoo, regarding action against drug smugglers. The party termed her recent remarks “shameful and unfortunate,” alleging that her statements appeared to defend drug traffickers rather than support strict action against them. BJP leaders said that by calling the demolition of houses linked to drug trafficking “targeted action,” NC leaders were exposing their political mindset and indirectly supporting those involved in destroying society through narcotics.
Rajni Sethi, BJP spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir, stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly emphasized a policy of “Zero Tolerance for Terrorism” and “Zero Tolerance for Drugs,” under which several strong measures are being implemented across the country. She said that the Lieutenant Governor’s 100-day mission against drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir is a highly commendable initiative and is receiving support from the police department as well as civil society organizations. However, she pointed out that no minister, MLA, or senior representative from the NC government has actively supported the campaign or publicly demanded strict punishment for drug peddlers.
Rajni Sethi further stated that the BJP considers drug traffickers no less than terrorists because they are poisoning society and destroying the future of young boys and girls. She remarked that those involved in drug trafficking should face punishment similar to that given to terrorists. She also accused the NC leadership of repeatedly showing sympathy towards anti-social elements, recalling that the party had earlier objected when action was taken against individuals supporting terrorism.
Criticizing attempts to communalize the issue, Rajni Sethi said that drug traffickers have no religion, caste, or regional identity. According to her, anyone involved in spreading drugs among the youth is an enemy of society and humanity. She accused NC leaders of trying to divide the issue along regional and communal lines instead of supporting decisive action against narcotics.
The BJP also questioned the NC government over the lack of proper rehabilitation infrastructure, especially for women and young girls affected by drug addiction. Rajni Sethi asked why no concrete policy has been announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah or Health Minister Sakina Itoo for establishing dedicated rehabilitation centres for women. She demanded separate facilities with female doctors, female staff, and proper CCTV surveillance to ensure safety and dignity for women undergoing treatment.
BJP spokesperson Parimoksh Seth said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” from Lal Qila on August 15, 2020, and that the LG administration has also started a 100-day “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he alleged that the Chief Minister has not participated in even a single rally against drugs in J&K.
Seth condemned what he termed the NC government’s “soft approach” towards the issue. He raised concerns about the unchecked sale of pharmaceutical drugs and medical substances that are increasingly being misused by the youth. He questioned what concrete measures the Health Ministry has taken to regulate pharmacies and prevent the illegal sale of Schedule H medicines, which can legally be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner, but are allegedly being distributed by certain anti-social elements without prescriptions.
Seth stated that the Health Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has failed to take action against such pharmaceutical shops, which fall under her administrative control.
He further said that the leadership of NC, PDP, and Congress is not participating in the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan,” and that only the Central Government, LG administration, BJP, police, and some NGOs are actively working for the eradication of drugs from society. According to him, the non-participation of the Chief Minister, ministers, and senior leaders of NC, PDP, and Congress raises serious questions regarding their intentions to deal with drug abuse.
BJP spokesperson Ankit Gupta said that although the NC government had promised in its election manifesto to fight drugs on a war footing, there has been hardly any visible action on the ground. He stated that promises regarding the expansion of rehabilitation centres, establishment of separate de-addiction facilities for women and girls, and strengthening preventive mechanisms have remained confined to papers and speeches. According to him, the government has completely failed to fulfil its commitments.
Seth concluded by saying that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are asking serious questions about what the NC-Congress government has actually achieved in the last one and a half years in tackling one of the most serious and pressing issues facing the region today — the growing menace of drugs.