Jammu, 12 May (H.S.): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where he participated in a massive padyatra alongside citizens and announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the anti-drug campaign for the next 69 days — the Community Immunization Program against Drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration will partner with religious leaders, social organisations, schools and NGOs to establish a “Community Immunization” mechanism against drug abuse in 5 to 10 high-risk hotspot areas in every district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Drawing a comparison with vaccination drives against diseases, LG Sinha said the initiative would act as an early warning system to identify and monitor vulnerable areas while transforming them into completely drug-free zones.

“I urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour every week to strengthen this initiative through awareness campaigns. This effort will deliver real results by monitoring hotspots and building safer communities,” he said.

Family Bonds to Act as Shield Against Drug Addiction

The Lieutenant Governor also unveiled the Family Fortress Initiative, describing strong family and community ties as the ultimate safeguard against drug addiction.

He said that during the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship across Jammu and Kashmir should host weekly family dialogues on drug abuse to encourage open discussions and identify gaps in awareness and prevention mechanisms.

“These dialogues must be honest and community-driven so that society collectively becomes part of the fight against drugs,” he added.

Over 2.35 Lakh Awareness Events Held Across J&K

Highlighting the government’s anti-drug efforts, LG Sinha said more than 2.35 lakh awareness and outreach events have been organised across Jammu and Kashmir during the past 31 days under the Drug-Free J&K campaign.

He said over 44,000 OPD patients have received treatment, while nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested during the ongoing crackdown.

The Lieutenant Governor further stated that enforcement agencies have intensified action against the financial networks of drug cartels by seizing properties worth crores allegedly built through drug money.

Strict Action Against Drug Smugglers and Supply Chain

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar