Addressing the gathering, Manoj Sinha said the campaign belongs to the people and has brought together parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers in a collective effort to combat drug abuse.

"This campaign belongs to the people. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the administration. The road ahead is long. The fight against drugs will take sustained effort, constant alertness and unity. We must remain steadfast. We must encourage our young people, protect our families and strengthen our communities," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the anti-drug campaign, launched 51 days ago, had ignited a widespread movement across Jammu and Kashmir with active public participation.

He said the initiative was not only addressing a major public health concern but was also directly targeting the financial networks that sustain terrorism.

"This campaign is striking directly at the financial backbone of terrorism. Every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence, and narco-terrorists survive on that blood money. By halting the drug trade, we cut off the lifeline that sustains terror networks," Manoj Sinha said.

Describing the campaign as a matter of national security, he said efforts to curb drug smuggling would weaken forces attempting to destabilize the country and divert youth from the path of development.

The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered for years due to the activities of narco-terrorists, but the launch of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked a significant turning point in the fight against substance abuse.

"I stand before you not only as your Lieutenant Governor but as a member of your family who shares your pain, your struggles, and your dream of a safe, empowered and drug-free Jammu Kashmir. In 2021, I pledged a fear-free and drug-free Jammu Kashmir so that the shadows of drugs and terror that once loomed over our youth can be banished entirely," he said.

Highlighting the administration's efforts, Manoj Sinha said extensive and coordinated operations had been carried out against drug traffickers and narco-terrorists during the past 51 days.

"Over the past 51 days we have carried out extensive, coordinated operations against narco-terrorists and drug traffickers. With a whole-of-government approach we are dismantling networks that had become entrenched. Raids have targeted drug smugglers and drug peddlers in villages and towns, supply chains have been broken, and narco-terrorists have been exposed," he said.

Providing details of the crackdown, the Lieutenant Governor said that 923 FIRs had been registered against drug traffickers during the past 51 days. More than 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers had been arrested, while over 55 traffickers had been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act.

He further said that 668 driving licences had been cancelled and recommendations had been made for the revocation of 124 passports as part of the anti-drug drive.

Manoj Sinha emphasized that the government's strategy extended beyond enforcement measures and included public awareness campaigns, disruption of supply chains and rehabilitation of individuals battling addiction.

"The fight against drugs is not limited to raids and arrests. We are also working on breaking the supply chain, generating public awareness and ensuring dignified rehabilitation for those suffering from addiction. We will ensure our youth are freed from the grip of addiction, return to the mainstream of society, and become the strength that will lead Jammu Kashmir toward a brighter tomorrow," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration's commitment to continuing the campaign and called upon all sections of society to contribute towards building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.