700 drug peddlers arrested in 31 days, over 44,000 OPD patients treated : LG Sinha
Srinagar, May 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said over 235,000 awareness and outreach events have been held so far across the Union Territory as part of the ongoing anti-drug drive.
Addressing an anti-drug rally in Baramulla, LG Sinha said more than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action taken against them in the last 31 days.
“For the last 30 days, I have consistently maintained that those consuming drugs are victims, not culprits. We must help them return to normal life with care and rehabilitation,” the Lt Governor said.
LG Sinha also sought wider public participation in the anti-drug campaign and urged citizens to inform authorities about drug peddlers or any laxity in enforcement measures.
“Every minute is important for us now. If there is any lackadaisical approach, people should inform us and we will act on it,” he said.
Calling the campaign a collective societal responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to religious scholars to join the fight against the drug menace. (KNS)