Kupwara, May 13: In a powerful show of unity against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, a massive and historic Pad Yatra was organized in north Kashmir’s Kupwara under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

 The awareness march witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of people, including students, civil society members, transporters, traders, social activists, government employees, elected representatives, police and civil officers, and officials from across the district.

The Pad Yatra was led by Manoj Sinha from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Kupwara to Main Chowk Kupwara, sending a strong message against the growing menace of drug abuse and drug trafficking in society.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described drugs and terrorism as “two sides of the same coin” and reiterated the administration’s commitment to uprooting the drug network operating in the Union Territory.

“We will cut all oxygen lines of this plant. In the coming days, there will be fast and strong action against drug peddlers in Kupwara district,” the Lieutenant Governor asserted while emphasizing that narco-terror networks were directly responsible for fueling violence and instability in Jammu and Kashmir.

Challenging critics of the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, Sinha said that if even a single innocent person was unfairly targeted during anti-drug operations, action would be taken immediately. However, he questioned those attempting to shield drug smugglers and said society must decide whether such elements should face strict consequences or not.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are clear and firm in their resolve. They want stringent action against drug smugglers, and when people unite, no force can stop us,” he said.

Referring to his interaction with women from Dardpora village, the Lieutenant Governor said they had shared painful experiences of how drug smuggling financed weapons used against innocent families.

“That is why I say loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” he remarked.

Highlighting the administration’s intensified crackdown on narcotics networks, Sinha revealed that properties worth crores had been seized, illegal assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. He added that more than 730 smugglers and peddlers had been arrested as part of the ongoing anti-drug drive.

The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of channeling youth toward education, sports, and positive social activities to build a healthy and drug-free society. On the occasion, he unveiled trophies for the Kupwara Forest League organized by the Forest Department and the Volleyball Championship under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan by the Youth Services and Sports Department.

He also felicitated winners of the reel-making competition organized to spread awareness against drug abuse among the youth.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the government’s commitment toward the development of frontier villages in Kupwara district. Referring to his visit to Trehgam village, he said several developmental projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid to improve infrastructure and living conditions in border areas.

“Every village deserves all-weather roads, modern schools, and abundant opportunities for the youth. Our vision is to transform Kupwara’s border villages into model villages,” he said.

The Yatra concluded with a strong pledge from participants to continue supporting the mission of a “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir” and work collectively for a safer and healthier society.