Udhampur, 27 April (H.S.): Urging a united front against drug abuse, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for collective resolve to safeguard youth and build a future where families stay strong and aspirations flourish across Jammu and Kashmir.

Joining thousands of residents in a padyatra under the ongoing ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’ in Udhampur, Sinha urged citizens to treat it as a “shared war against narcotics”, asserting that “together, we must win this battle”.

“In the war against drugs, unity will be our shield, resolve our weapon. Let us commit to shaping a Jammu and Kashmir where young people carve free destinies, families remain whole, communities thrive strong, and aspirations blaze anew. We stand unwavering for our youth, for our future,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the battle against drug menace demands unity beyond all divisions. “As citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, we should pledge to stand together, bound by our common duty to protect our youth, strengthen families, and secure prosperity.

“Jammu and Kashmir is now rising with renewed strength to reject the drug menace that corrodes our society. We vow to shield our youth from its grip. I assure the people that the spirit of our land will not be stifled. This is the hour for society to awaken, to fight and to prevail,” Sinha said.

He said no single authority can wage this battle against drug abuse alone and it must ignite within every heart.

“Let every village, hamlet, and city of Udhampur become fortresses of resistance; let every household stand as a vigilant bastion. I call upon each resident to enlist as a warrior in this cause,” the Lt Governor said.

Sinha observed that every section of society must embrace the spirit of NashaMukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan so that history records that on April 27, the flame of hope, unity, and determination was kindled in Udhampur.

“Every family must rise, ensuring that chronicles remember Udhampur’s united stand, united fight, united triumph and a legacy of a narcotics-free tomorrow dedicated to nation-building.

“In the coming 83 days, let us reshape society’s perception and treat those trapped in addiction as sufferers who deserve compassion and not condemnation. Rehabilitation must restore their dignity and reintegrate them into the community. Let collective energy drive the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign.

“Transform awareness into accountability, ensuring public participation deepens and highlight the vital role of women and youth in leading this fight,” the Lt Governor said.

He said this war against drug menace will unfold in phases, each demanding courage and devotion.

Sinha said awareness campaigns must enlighten families about drug addiction symptoms and dangers of narcotics and they should be reminded that the threat is not distant, but among us.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor flagged off an Anti-drug awareness Bike rally and launched Mini-Olympics under the Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign. He also handed over sanction letters to individuals recovered from substance abuse, and felicitated the winner of Nasha Mukt Ideas Championship.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar