LG's decisive offensive saved youth from drug menace: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri today said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s unprecedented and timely offensive against the drug menace in Jammu Kashmir has rescued the Union Territory (UT) from a looming social disaster and protected thousands of youngsters from falling into the vicious trap of substance abuse.

This social catastrophe, he added had percolated deep into our society but the administration's determined action halted and weeded it out well in time. Raman Suri said that over the past few years, drug addiction had silently penetrated deep into society, threatening families, communities and the future of an entire generation.

However, he said, the firm resolve shown by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reversed this dangerous trend through a combination of strict law enforcement, sustained awareness campaigns and public participation.

"The Lieutenant Governor recognized the gravity of the situation before it could spiral out of control. His timely intervention has saved Jammu Kashmir from a catastrophe that was steadily engulfing our youth. Today, the administration's uncompromising stand against drug peddlers has sent a powerful message that there will be zero tolerance for those attempting to destroy the lives of our young generation," Suri said.

Referring to the recently launched 100-day anti-drug campaign, Suri said the initiative has intensified the fight against narcotics through coordinated enforcement and public outreach.

He noted that the demolition of properties built through the proceeds of drug trafficking, the arrest of hundreds of drug peddlers and the sustained crackdown on illegal narcotics networks have significantly weakened the ecosystem supporting the drug trade.

He said these actions have not only instilled fear among drug traffickers but have also restored confidence among law-abiding citizens that the administration is committed to safeguarding society.

Raman Suri also welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's appeal on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, wherein he called upon every section of society to join hands in realising the vision of a "Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir."

He said the fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone and requires active participation from parents, educational institutions, civil society and responsible citizens.

Suri said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also been carrying forward awareness campaigns to educate people, particularly the youth, about the devastating consequences of substance abuse and the importance of leading a healthy, disciplined and productive life. Such public awareness initiatives, he added, complement the administration's determined enforcement efforts.

Expressing confidence in the ongoing campaign, Raman Suri said Jammu Kashmir is steadily moving towards becoming a drug-free society under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. "The administration's resolute action has prevented a grave social crisis and given hope to countless families. Every responsible citizen must now strengthen this movement and ensure that our youth remain protected from the scourge of drugs," he added.