Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Announces Parents Brigade to Combat Drug Menace in Budgam

Budgam, May 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined a massive padyatra in Budgam today as part of the drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign.

During the event, he pledged sweeping action against drug smugglers and emphasized the need for a united societal front to eliminate the threat of narcotics. He assured citizens that the administration would act with total resolve to confront the issue and protect the future of the youth.

The Lieutenant Governor announced the formation of an informal Parents Brigade to be established in every village and city. This voluntary network consisting of parents, women, and youth will be trained and empowered to identify early signs of drug use within their wards.

The primary goal of this initiative is to immediately connect affected families with the necessary resources and support systems to facilitate recovery.

Addressing the gathering, Manoj Sinha appealed to the residents of Budgam to stand against the poison of drugs that is destroying the foundation of society. He remarked that every young person lost to addiction represents a loss of strength for the future workforce and the nation’s security forces.

He urged society to treat those struggling with addiction as victims needing compassion and care rather than as criminals, stressing that public silence on the matter must end to effectively defeat the crisis.

The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted that drug addiction is a significant national security concern, noting that drug trafficking is being used to fund terrorism and radicalization.

He stated that the drug trade and terror funding are two hands of the same enemy. He issued a stern warning to drug cartels, noting that law enforcement agencies are monitoring financial transactions and will take decisive action against major smugglers, including the demolition of properties built with drug money.

In his concluding remarks, Manoj Sinha directed police stations across the Kashmir Valley to gather information on active peddlers and take action within 30 days. He encouraged every citizen to act as the eyes and ears of the administration by reporting suspicious activities.

With 76 days remaining in the current 100-day campaign, he expressed confidence that the collective effort of teachers, parents, and leaders would turn Budgam into a drug-free district.