Manzoor Elahi
Drug abuse is a deadly curse that, like the rest of the world, has engulfed the society of Jammu and Kashmir as well. This poison not only destroys a person’s health, intellect, character, and awareness, but also snatches away the happiness of families and pushes entire communities into darkness. Narcotic substances are ruining the dreams, talents, and bright futures of the younger generation, resulting in a continuous rise in crime, moral degradation, domestic unrest, and social instability.
A healthy and progressive society is built upon educated, aware, and morally upright youth, but the menace of drugs is dangerously weakening this foundation. This is why strict, organized, and effective measures against narcotics have become the need of the hour. It is the collective responsibility of the government, administration, religious scholars, teachers, parents, and every member of society to step forward and protect the younger generation from this destructive evil through united efforts.
With this objective, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Jammu and Kashmir administration launched a special 100-day campaign titled “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan” on April 11, 2026. The primary aim of this initiative is to rid Jammu and Kashmir of the scourge of drugs and save the youth from the path of destruction.
Under this campaign, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, health department, education department, traffic authorities, and other concerned agencies have been carrying out coordinated operations continuously. On one hand, a strict crackdown is underway against drug peddlers and smugglers, while on the other hand, awareness programmes, educational campaigns, seminars, and social outreach activities are being conducted vigorously to build a healthy, safe, and dignified society.
The campaign launched under the leadership of Manoj Sinha has already shown significant results in its early days, strengthening the resolve to make Jammu and Kashmir a drug-free society. According to official figures, during the first 22 days of the campaign alone, the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered 481 FIRs and arrested 518 accused involved in drug trafficking and smuggling activities. These actions are being described as one of the largest and most organized anti-drug drives in recent years, aimed not only at arresting drug dealers but also at dismantling the entire network responsible for pushing the youth toward destruction.
The administration has also taken strict action against the illegal wealth generated through the narcotics trade. Officials stated that 24 illegal properties, buildings, and constructions built with money earned through drug smuggling and unlawful activities were either seized or demolished. The value of these confiscated assets is estimated to be worth crores of rupees. Observers believe this step is a major effort to weaken the financial structure of drug trafficking networks and eliminate crime-generated wealth completely.
Similarly, strict monitoring has been witnessed in the traffic and transport sector. The administration cancelled more than 300 driving licences and revoked the registration of 325 vehicles after investigations revealed that these vehicles were being used for drug smuggling and other illegal activities. Authorities have clearly stated that a “zero tolerance” policy has been adopted against such elements and no one will be considered above the law.
The Health Department and Drug Control authorities also inspected nearly 3,000 medical stores across the Valley and Jammu regions to prevent the illegal sale of narcotic medicines. During the inspections, 107 pharmacy licences were suspended for violating rules and regulations. Officials warned that stricter action would continue against those illegally selling addictive medicines in the medical sector.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police also carried out several major successful operations in different districts, during which large quantities of codeine, charas, heroin, and other narcotic substances were seized. At multiple locations, illegal cultivation of poppy and other narcotic crops was destroyed to eradicate the drug network from its roots. Police officials stated that such operations would continue relentlessly and that drug traffickers would not be spared under any circumstances.
Social experts and members of the public have described the campaign as a positive, timely, and commendable initiative. They expressed hope that if such determined and intensive actions continue, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir can be rescued from the darkness of drug addiction and provided with a secure and bright future. Public circles also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and social activists to cooperate with the administration in creating awareness among young people so that society can be completely freed from this dangerous menace.
The most unfortunate and alarming aspect is that the younger generation — considered the precious asset and bright future of any nation — is becoming the biggest victim of this deadly curse. Today, countless young people are falling into the trap of drugs due to temporary pleasure, bad company, and social evils, thereby destroying their lives. This poison not only ruins an individual’s health, thinking, and character, but also pushes entire families into mental, financial, and social distress. A drug addict gradually destroys the hopes of parents, the future of children, and the peace of society.
In conclusion, the ongoing 100-day “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan” is a positive, timely, and highly appreciable initiative aimed at protecting the younger generation from destruction and providing society with a safe and bright future. If this campaign continues with the same spirit, strict enforcement, and public cooperation, the day is not far when our society will become free from the deadly disease of drugs and move toward peace, prosperity, and progress. If the hands of the youth hold books, pens, and skills instead of narcotics, then both our future and our society will remain secure and continue progressing toward new horizons.
