Srinagar, 03 May (H.S.): Terming drug trafficking as “silent terrorism” aimed at destroying Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, families and future, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that drug peddlers are enemies of the nation and will be dealt with accordingly.

Addressing a gathering at TRC Football Ground here during the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’ before leading the padyatra, LG Sinha, said the anti-drug campaign has transformed into a “Jan Andolan” within just 22 days. “This war is being fought in every home, every mohalla and every lane where drugs are draining the life force of our youth,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the oath against drugs is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, anguish of families and concern of teachers who have seen young lives getting destroyed.

“This is not just a government pledge. It is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said.

LG Sinha said he personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and undertook padyatras, where a unified message emerged from people. “Everyone said, we want our children back, we want our future back. Today I have come to Kashmir to say we will bring it back at any cost,” he said.

He added that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight.

Flagging a serious security dimension, the LG said drug trafficking is linked to terrorism. “We are facing a dangerous enemy sitting in our neighbourhood. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and procure weapons,” he said.

He added that narco networks are targeting the “most creative and productive force, our youth” and trying to weaken families, economy and moral foundations.

“They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he said.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar