Srinagar, May 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan to review the progress of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan and assessed the district-wise action plans aimed at eliminating drug abuse and narco-terrorism.
The meeting was attended by Atal Dullo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home Department; S.J.M. Gillani, Spl DG Coordination PHQ; Nitish Kumar, ADGP, CID; Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary School Education Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; senior officials of civil and police administration, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from Kashmir Division.
Reviewing the progress, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the need for a focused, time-bound and result-oriented strategy by all district administrations in the next 78-days. He directed the officers to ensure effective implementation of the action at all levels with measurable outcomes in curbing drug abuse and dismantling narcotics networks.
The Lieutenant Governor called for intensified grassroots-level engagement at the Panchayat and Ward levels. He emphasised active participation of community stakeholders, including religious leaders, educationists, traders, youth groups, and social and political activists, to transform the campaign into a sustained mass movement.
The Lieutenant Governor laid special emphasis on youth engagement through sports and recreational activities. He instructed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the development of playfields in all panchayats and the strengthening of sports infrastructure across districts.
He also directed the regular organisation of sports competitions and youth engagement activities under the banner of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, enabling young people to channel their energy and talent into positive pursuits and stay away from substance abuse.
Reiterating the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, the Lieutenant Governor called for strict and visible enforcement actions against those involved in drug trafficking.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the swift implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for the cancellation or suspension of driving licenses and passport and other documents of drug peddlers. He also called for prompt identification and seizure of properties linked to narcoterrorists and drug smugglers. He further stressed intensified inspection of pharmaceutical shops to prevent misuse of prescription drugs and also enhanced vigilance in and around educational institutions and vulnerable areas.
The Lieutenant Governor also directed Deputy Commissioners to identify and take appropriate action against the fake or unauthorised drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, ensuring that only certified institutions operate within the established regulatory framework.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of strengthening Mahila Samitis and Youth Clubs as vital community institutions in the fight against drug abuse. He called for their effective functioning and active involvement in awareness campaigns, early identification of vulnerable individuals, and community-based monitoring mechanisms.
He also directed for utilizing Block Diwas and Thana Diwas as platforms for addressing public grievances and strengthening trust between citizens and the administration.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed the officers to take advance and comprehensive measures for the smooth conduct of upcoming major religious events, including the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra and Muharram. He emphasised the need to ensure adequate arrangements to facilitate the convenience and safety of the people.
