It is curtains for the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir initiative. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the campaign on April 11 to rid Jammu and Kashmir of drug and substance use. July 21 marks the end of the 100-day drive. More than 20,292 FIRs were registered during the last 100 days. Law enforcement agencies arrested 2,301 drug smugglers and seized 1,300 kilograms of narcotic substances. Properties worth Rs 188.9 crore linked to drug smugglers were attached. Action was taken against 254 chemist shops. Over 370 driving licences, 750 vehicle registrations and 3,000 Aadhaar cards were cancelled. Recommendations were made for impounding 205 passports. Needless to say, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is the man of the match of this initiative. He will be regarded as one of the rare leaders who decided to take the bull by the horns. He led the padyatras in all districts, mobilizing people from all strata of society. It was for the first time that an anti-drug drive became a people’s movement. Such was the power of the campaign that mosques, temples, and other religious places were at the forefront in the drive. Clerics who once were on the other side of the fence were seeking support for the drive. That shows the impact of the drive on the ground. As we wrap up the campaign, our police, civil administration, and anti-drug experts deserve special mention for taking the fight against mafia to a logical conclusion. Our law-enforcing agencies dismantled the drug cartels to a large extent. Every drug smuggler and peddler has been identified. Some have been arrested, some are on the run. Having said so, people want the momentum to continue. We need to keep up the pressure on the mafia. Our law-enforcing agencies have done a fantastic job. However, the fight is not over yet. We have to fight to the finish. Our law-enforcing agencies need to consolidate the gains. There is no room for complacency. The remnants should be identified and brought to book. Such should be the strategy that the mafia is unable to gain a foothold again in the union territory. We have to fight a smart battle now. And it is not going to be an easy task. But people have full confidence in our police and other agencies. Citizens too have an added responsibility now. They need to continue their support and share information with law-enforcing agencies. Let our masjid intizamas, civil society groups, and mohalla committees form special cells to keep an eye on these anti-social elements. This coordination will help in stamping out the drug menace from Jammu and Kashmir. Let us again pledge to make J&K a drug-free union territory.
Only the beginning
