The Jammu and Kashmir administration has recommended cancelling the passports of 116 people linked to drug smuggling as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha intensified the government’s crackdown against narcotics and “narco-terror” in the Union Territory.
According to a report by the Indian Express, officials said the move is part of a wider campaign launched by the administration to target drug networks, their financial links and the spread of addiction among youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been personally leading the anti-drug campaign over the past few weeks by visiting different districts and holding awareness programmes. On Saturday, 24th May, Sinha led a large padyatra in Shopian in south Kashmir, where officials claimed nearly 50,000 people participated in the event.
‘Drug money is being used to buy weapons’: Manoj Sinha
Addressing people during the padyatra, Sinha said drug trafficking was directly linked to terrorism in the region and warned of strict action against anyone connected to such networks.
“Terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons, the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilt,” Sinha said.
He further warned that no one would be spared if found supporting drug rackets in any way. “Whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences,” he said.
Calling drugs an “infection” spreading through society, Sinha added, “If even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation.”
Hundreds arrested under ‘Nasha-Mukt J&K Abhiyaan’
The anti-drug campaign, called the “Nasha-Mukt J&K Abhiyaan,” began on 11th May. Since then, authorities have registered 797 FIRs and arrested more than 890 alleged drug smugglers across the Union Territory. Officials also said that 81 properties allegedly built using money earned from drug smuggling have been demolished during the crackdown.
LG Manoj Sinha says drug traffickers target the youth first and assures strict action against the narcotics network in J&K. In 43 days, 797 FIRs are registered, 894 smugglers arrested and 81 illegal properties demolished in the anti-drug crackdown. #NashaMuktJK @diprjk
— Akashvani News Jammu (@radionews_jammu) May 23, 2026
Out of the 116 passports recommended for cancellation, 94 belong to people from the Jammu region, while 22 are from Kashmir.
Focus on rehabilitation and women’s participation
Alongside strict enforcement, the administration has also announced plans to focus on rehabilitation for young people struggling with addiction. Sinha said the government was preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation policy aimed at helping addicted youth return to normal life through de-addiction programmes, employment opportunities and skill development.
He also highlighted the role of women in the anti-drug campaign and said more than 7,000 women’s committees had already been formed across Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is now the administration’s duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor added that people across Jammu and Kashmir now understand that drug addiction is no longer a distant issue but a serious challenge affecting society directly and urgently.
