Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) against drug traffickers under which anyone found involved in drug trafficking will face criminal proceedings along with several punitive measures.
He also said the administration is working on a three-year monitoring programme for the rehabilitation of drug abuse victims and is considering stringent action against drug peddlers, including cancellation of driving licences and recommendations for revocation of passports.
Speaking to several national news agencies ahead of a mega padyatra under the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan’ scheduled in Srinagar on Sunday, LG Sinha said drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir has a direct link with terrorism and radicalisation.
“Some drug traffickers may be building narco palaces and becoming economically prosperous, but ultimately most of the money goes into fuelling terrorism and radicalisation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration is focusing on both prevention and rehabilitation. He added that while more rehabilitation centres are needed, efforts are also being made to strengthen facilities at the existing centres.
“It is true that more rehabilitation centres are required, but since they cannot be built immediately, arrangements are being made in the existing centres for treatment of victims. The Health Department has been directed to ensure adequate OPD and IPD facilities in hospitals for such patients,” he said.
Sinha said the administration is preparing a detailed rehabilitation plan under which recovered addicts would be monitored for three years to ensure proper rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Explaining the action plan against drug traffickers, he said the SOP provides for strict punitive action.
“Driving licences of drug peddlers will be cancelled, vehicle registrations terminated, and recommendations made for cancellation of passports. Their bank accounts will be frozen, action will be taken regarding Aadhaar cards, and lookout notices will be issued against absconders. Properties will also be attached under the NDPS Act,” he added.
“This battle can only be won with collective efforts. When police action, fear of law and the strength of society come together, success becomes easier,” he said.
As part of the campaign, the Lieutenant Governor will lead a foot march from the Astro Turf Football Stadium at TRC Chowk to Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Sunday.(KINS)
