Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Saturday (April 11, 2026) announced stringent measures, including revoking licences, passports, Aadhaar etc., of those involved in drug smuggling in Jammu and Kashmir.  

“Drug smugglers’ assets will be seized, ringleaders prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly. The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licences, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” said Mr. Sinha. “Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law,” he added. 

He made the statement while kick-starting a mass movement for “drug-free J&K” at the M.A. Stadium in Jammu.

The L-G said there was a new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) against drug traffickers. “Under this SOP, if they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately. Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen, and financial investigation will be launched,” said Mr. Sinha.

Cross-border smuggling

Without naming Pakistan, Mr. Sinha said, “Our neighbour is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation’s future. Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay.”

He directed senior officers for swift action on complaints and strengthening of grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees “to identify and punish every culprit”.

The L-G administration has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026 in April this year to ensure effective functioning of rehabilitation centres.

“The next three months will sow seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervour, debates steel youth resolve, quizzes embed awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; unity marches, padayatra inspire neighbourhoods; marathons from panchayats to cities declare that Jammu and Kashmir will never bow to drugs,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said the administration pledged resolutely that it would not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. “I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files but behind each lies a vivid story, a family’s struggle and agony,” said Mr. Sinha.

The growing problem of substance abuse in J&K

Shared purpose

The L-G said drug abuse was among gravest challenges. “We stand firm in our commitment to confront drug abuse and emerge victorious. Bound by shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month-long people’s movement will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said.

Mr. Sinha said that since early 2021 the administration had moved beyond planning to decisive action for drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. “We are successfully implementing initiatives that have reached previously untouched communities, engaged youth in schools, and expanded rehabilitation services. No individual faces this battle alone; the administration stands firmly committed,” he said.

The L-G called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women and athletes to participate in large numbers since they were the face, force and future of this campaign.