80,000 join anti-drug march in Baramulla
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Baramulla, May 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday praised the police and administration for taking strict action against drug peddlers and conducting widespread awareness campaigns, as he led a mega padyatra under the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K’ campaign in Baramulla district that witnessed participation of around 80,000 people.
The rally started from Showkat Ali Stadium and culminated at Dak Bungalow in Baramulla town. Participants included students, civil society members, NGOs, and religious leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the LG said over two lakh outreach programmes have been conducted across the Union Territory as part of the anti-drug campaign. “I am satisfied with the dedication shown by the Baramulla administration in tackling this menace with the support of the people,” he said.
Sinha warned that measures such as vehicle de-registration, issuance of lookout notices, and seizure of properties would be taken against drug traffickers, regardless of where they are.
Reiterating the government’s rehabilitation-focused approach, he said drug addicts should be treated as victims, not criminals. “For the last 30 days, I have been continuously saying that those taking drugs are victims and not culprits. We will care for them with compassion and help them return to normal life,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged people to report any involvement in drug peddling or any laxity in the ongoing campaign to authorities.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, said more than 80,000 people from different walks of life participated in the rally. Extensive security and traffic management arrangements were put in place for the event.