Baramulla, May 12 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said over two lakh outreach programmes have been conducted across Jammu and Kashmir as part of the government’s campaign against drug abuse, asserting that strict action will continue against drug peddlers across the Union Territory.

Addressing a mega padyatra in Baramulla, the Lieutenant Governor, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the administration and police have intensified awareness and enforcement measures to tackle the growing menace of narcotics.

“I have been told that over two lakh outreach programmes have taken place across J&K. I am satisfied with the Baramulla administration for its dedication in tackling this menace with the support of the people,” Sinha said.

He lauded the police for acting against drug peddlers and conducting awareness drives among the public. He said the anti-narcotics campaign would be intensified further and no one involved in the illegal drug trade would be spared.

“We will take this campaign to new heights. Measures including vehicle de-registration, lookout notices and property seizure will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking, no matter where they are,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that individuals consuming drugs should be treated as victims and rehabilitated with compassion.

“For the last 30 days, I have continuously been saying that those taking drugs are victims and not culprits. We will take care of them with love and bring them back to normal life,” he said.

Calling for wider public participation, Sinha urged people to inform authorities if anyone is involved in drug peddling or if there is any laxity in the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

“Every minute is important for us now. If there is any lackadaisical approach in the campaign, people should inform us and we will act on that,” he said.

He also appealed to religious scholars, preachers, elders and civil society members to actively participate in the movement against drugs and help protect the youth from falling prey to addiction.

“This is a collective approach and all sections of society must be involved. We want to make J&K drug-free and save our youth at any cost,” the Lieutenant Governor added—(KNO)