Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed the Union Territory Police and civil administration to intensify action against the growing narco-terror network operating in the region. He also ordered strengthening of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) with additional manpower to improve enforcement.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting held at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, where the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan” was assessed.
Focus on Stronger Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF)
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor instructed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to further strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Task Force.
He emphasized the need to augment manpower and improve operational capacity so that drug trafficking networks in Jammu and Kashmir can be effectively dismantled.
Officials said the LG stressed that enforcement efforts must be more coordinated and result-oriented to counter both drug trafficking and its alleged links to terror financing.
Integrated Action Plan Against Drugs and Terror Links
LG Sinha underlined that the fight against narcotics must go beyond policing and include coordinated action among multiple departments.
He called for joint efforts by the police, civil administration, health department, and education sector to build a stronger anti-drug ecosystem.
The review highlighted the importance of tackling drug abuse as both a law-and-order issue and a social challenge.
Expansion of Rehabilitation and De-Addiction Centres
Reviewing rehabilitation measures, the Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to expand de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities across the Union Territory.
He also instructed health officials to ensure regular monitoring of these centres for effective counselling, treatment, and recovery support for affected youth.
The administration was asked to scale up both police and health department-run rehabilitation initiatives.
Monitoring Vulnerable Locations and Drug Hotspots
The LG directed officials to identify and closely monitor vulnerable areas that may be misused for narcotics activities.
These include abandoned buildings, isolated riverbanks, and other neglected locations often used by drug networks.
He also called for stronger surveillance and targeted action in such hotspots to prevent illegal activities.
Public Awareness and Deterrence Measures
To create deterrence, Sinha instructed authorities to publicly disclose information about high-profile drug traffickers involved in the illegal drug trade.
He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.
Youth Engagement Through Sports and Education
Emphasizing preventive measures, the Lieutenant Governor tasked the School Education and Higher Education Departments with increasing youth engagement activities.
He called for organizing sports events, awareness drives, and community programmes to steer young people away from substance abuse and towards positive activities.
Senior Officials Attend High-Level Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and senior officials from key departments including home, finance, health, education, and public works.
The review marked a renewed push by the administration to strengthen anti-drug operations and curb the narco-terror nexus in Jammu and Kashmir.
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