Srinagar, Oct 29 (HS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called on all sections of society to work together for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, saying the J&K community must resolve not to let its youth fall prey to substance abuse “under any circumstances”. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the J&K Police’s cycling event, Pedal Through Paradise, in Srinagar.

“On this occasion, I also want to appeal to all of you to work on the grave issue of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “The Union Home Minister has just taken a resolve to make the country drug-free by 2029. Our resolve should be equally firm that we will not let the future of our youth fall into the grip of drugs under any circumstances.”

Sinha said the aim should be a Jammu and Kashmir “where playgrounds are filled with the energy of youth, our educational institutions become centres of opportunity, and everyone, including families, stands with every young person”. He described the cycle race as a strong message against drug abuse, saying every young participant was showing that a healthy life, self-discipline and positive thinking can bring change to society.

Recalling the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the LG said that young people struggling with addiction need sympathy and proper help, not contempt. Their rehabilitation and return to the mainstream, he said, is the responsibility of all, and he urged people to keep this in mind. He added that while the race had ended, the fight against drugs would go on and all sections of society should take part in it.

Praising the J&K Police, Sinha said: “On this occasion, I want to especially commend the J&K Police. You have fulfilled your duty of giving a befitting reply to terrorism, maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and you have gone further to ensure that society, harmony and development here are also ensured.”

Initiatives like Pedal Through Paradise, he said, are proof that the police have combined security with compassion, discipline with inspiration and duty with social commitment, “so that bonds of the heart can be forged with the people of Jammu and Kashmir”. He said the event, held within about 15 days of the Jashn-e-Dal programme, was not only a sports tournament but an idea and a source of inspiration.

Calling the youth the “biggest asset” of the nation, Sinha urged young people to take part in the police’s Civic Action Programme and to make sports a part of their lives. He congratulated the winners and participants of the race and asked all present to resolve to work for peace and progress and for a healthy, prosperous, secure Jammu and Kashmir.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat