Srinagar, May 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir has a direct link with terrorism and vowed stringent measures, including the cancellation of driving licenses and recommending revocation of passports of the peddlers.
“Some drug traffickers might be building narco palaces, becoming economically prosperous. But ultimately, most of the money ends up fuelling terrorism and radicalisation,” he added.
“It is true that we need to build more rehabilitation centres. But those cannot be built immediately, so, in the rehabilitation centres that exist, arrangements are being made for their (victims) treatment. The Health Department has been instructed that both OPD and IPD facilities should be sufficiently available for such people in our hospitals,” Sinha told reporters at the Raj Bhavan.
On the stringent action against drug peddlers, the LG said the administration has created some deterrents under a well-thought-out strategy.
“An SOP has been issued stating that anyone caught in drug trafficking will not only face a criminal case, but their driving licenses will be cancelled. If they have a vehicle, its registration will be terminated. If they have a passport, there will be a recommendation to cancel the passport,” he said.
Bank accounts will be frozen, action will be taken on Aadhaar cards, and if absconding, a lookout notice will be issued, and their property will be attached under the NDPS Act, Sinha added.
He said the administration is roping in religious leaders to create awareness in society, and called upon people to launch a collective fight against the menace. “This work can only be accomplished with everyone’s cooperation. I feel that the people here have decided to fight a decisive battle. When the police’s baton, the fear of law, and the power of society all come together, I believe success is achieved more easily,” he said.
The LG launched a 100-day campaign in J-K on April 11 from MA Stadium in Jammu. So far, foot marches have taken place in eight districts of Jammu division.
“I feel that in 21 days, its widespread impact is visible. Roughly, more than 50- 60 lakh people have participated in various campaigns so far. There has also been a significant increase in the registration of cases in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, and these actions are also being carried out very effectively,” he said.
As part of the campaign, the LG would lead a foot march to Lal Chowk on Sunday from the synthetic turf football stadium at TRC Chowk in Srinagar.
