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From Kathua to Kupwara, a people’s movement against addiction is reshaping communities and inspiring hope across all twenty districts
In recent years, drug abuse has emerged as one of the most serious social challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir. What was once considered an isolated problem gradually began affecting families, educational institutions, workplaces and entire communities. Recognising the gravity of the situation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan,” transforming the fight against drugs into a mass public movement. A defining feature of this campaign has been the Anti-Drug Padyatra, a unique initiative that carried the message of awareness, prevention and collective responsibility to every corner of the Union Territory.
Unlike conventional awareness programmes confined to halls and conference rooms, the padyatra brought the administration directly to the people. Students, teachers, civil society members, sports personalities, religious leaders, health workers, police personnel and ordinary citizens joined hands in large numbers, demonstrating that the fight against addiction cannot be won by government agencies alone. The campaign was conceived as a people’s movement, seeking participation from every village, town and district.
The journey began under the broader framework of a 100-day anti-drug campaign launched in April 2026. During its course, the padyatra travelled across all twenty districts of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying a message of hope and responsibility. Public rallies, awareness programmes, counselling sessions and community interactions were organised at every stop. According to official statements, the campaign succeeded in connecting communities across district boundaries and strengthening public resolve against drug abuse.
In South Kashmir, districts such as Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian witnessed massive participation. Thousands of young people walked alongside officials, educators and volunteers, taking pledges to remain free from substance abuse. At Kulgam, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that every village and locality must become a stakeholder in the movement. In Shopian and Pulwama, he reiterated that those involved in drug trafficking would face strict legal consequences while society must extend support to those struggling with addiction.
Central Kashmir also became an important theatre of the campaign. In Srinagar, the summer capital, awareness events drew students from colleges and universities. Budgam and Ganderbal witnessed participation from local youth clubs, sports groups and community organisations. The message was clear: prevention through awareness is the most effective weapon against addiction.
North Kashmir responded with equal enthusiasm. Districts including Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora organised rallies and community outreach programmes under the campaign framework. Educational institutions conducted debates, seminars and awareness drives highlighting the devastating impact of narcotics on individuals and families. In border districts, where youth often face unique socio-economic challenges, the campaign acquired special significance by promoting healthy lifestyles, sports and skill development as alternatives to substance abuse.
The movement was equally visible across the Jammu region. Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch all hosted major awareness activities. Large public gatherings demonstrated that the concern over drug abuse transcends geography, language and social background. In Kishtwar, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the campaign had already covered nineteen districts and touched countless lives, reflecting the unprecedented scale of public participation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the padyatra was its ability to unite diverse sections of society. Parents spoke openly about their concerns regarding addiction. Teachers discussed the importance of early intervention. Religious leaders used their platforms to promote moral responsibility and social awareness. Medical professionals highlighted the health consequences of drug abuse, while recovered addicts shared personal experiences, encouraging others to seek help without fear or stigma.
Importantly, the campaign did not rely solely on awareness. It was supported by strong enforcement measures against drug trafficking networks. Authorities intensified operations against smugglers and suppliers. Official figures released during the campaign indicated that more than one thousand FIRs had been registered, over eleven hundred alleged drug smugglers arrested, and numerous properties attached under anti-narcotics laws. Hundreds of driving licences linked to offenders were also cancelled. These measures signalled that the administration intended to target both demand and supply simultaneously.
Yet the campaign consistently emphasised that addiction should be viewed primarily as a public health challenge rather than merely a criminal issue. The Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir initiative advocates compassion, rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected by substance dependence. Plans for rehabilitation centres across Jammu and Kashmir reflect this balanced approach. The objective is not only to punish traffickers but also to help victims rebuild their lives and return to society with dignity.
Another noteworthy achievement of the padyatra was its focus on youth engagement. Schools and colleges became focal points of awareness activities. Students participated in pledge ceremonies, poster competitions, sports events and cultural programmes carrying anti-drug messages. The involvement of young people transformed the campaign from a government initiative into a social movement driven by community ownership.
The success of the Anti-Drug Padyatra also demonstrated the importance of collective action. No single institution can eliminate the menace of drugs. Families must remain vigilant. Educational institutions must provide guidance and support. Community organisations must create positive social environments. Law enforcement agencies must continue disrupting trafficking networks. Healthcare systems must offer accessible treatment and rehabilitation services. The padyatra succeeded because it brought all these stakeholders onto a common platform.
As the campaign completed its journey across all twenty districts, it left behind more than memories of public rallies and marches. It generated conversations in homes, classrooms and community centres. It encouraged people to recognise addiction as a shared challenge requiring shared solutions. Most importantly, it reaffirmed that the future of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to a healthy, educated and empowered generation.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Anti-Drug Padyatra will be remembered not merely as a series of walks across districts, but as a determined effort to awaken society against one of its gravest contemporary threats. Its true success, however, will be measured in the years ahead—when fewer young lives are lost to addiction, more families remain intact, and communities across Jammu and Kashmir continue their march towards a safer and drug-free future.
Author Suhail Yousuf Shah is a senior journalist and media professional from Jammu and Kashmir, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Global Kashmir.
