Opinion | Drug Prevention is Youth Protection

The Army’s tireless efforts have provided a strong safeguard against narco-terrorism, protecting Jammu and Kashmir from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and terrorist activities

Every young person lost to addiction is a loss to our workforce and national strength. Every broken family weakens the foundation of our society. These are our children. They are victims, not criminals. They need care, support, and understanding. This is what the final massage is:

It is not hidden that our valley, especially our youth, has faced many challenges in the past, and the drug menace is one of them. In today’s times, no society or community is without issues, and neither is ours. Drug addiction and smuggling have become a rising concern in Jammu and Kashmir. Young lives that should have been full of hope have slowly slipped into the grip of drugs. This pain is not just personal; it is a concern for the entire society.

Today, Jammu and Kashmir stands at a turning point, where a strong and united effort is being made to protect its youth and future. To curb this menace, a 100-day drug de-addiction drive, the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, is currently underway across Kashmir.

The 100-day drug de-addiction and awareness campaign is not a normal government program. We see in streets, on roads, or on social media how people have joined hands to fight against drugs. It is a mission to save lives. It reflects a clear message that the future of Kashmir’s youth matters and that no effort will be spared to protect it. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, this campaign has brought new energy and seriousness to the fight against drug abuse.

This campaign emphasizes that youth protection and drug prevention are a shared responsibility involving various sectors, especially the education sector. Awareness programs are actively held in schools and colleges to inform young people about drugs and their harmful effects, promoting a safer and healthier life. Teachers, parents, and community leaders play a crucial role in spreading this awareness so that the message reaches every home.

This campaign has seen holistic participation from all sections of society—students, athletes, activists, administration, and law enforcement agencies. The administration has taken a people-centric approach. From schools to colleges, from villages to towns, awareness programs are being held to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. The focus is not only on stopping drug use but also on guiding those who have fallen into it towards recovery and a better life.

What makes this campaign truly powerful is the participation of the people. Students are joining rallies and awareness drives. Local communities are standing up against drug abuse. Religious leaders and social workers are spreading messages of hope and responsibility. This collective effort is slowly turning the campaign into a people’s movement. It sends a clear message to drug peddlers and smugglers that the public stands against them and firmly supports the administration in this fight. It shows that society will no longer stay silent while lives are being destroyed.

People are coming together with a shared resolve to protect the youth and keep their communities safe. This unity is becoming the strongest weapon against the spread of drugs. At the same time, it sends a warm message of acceptance and support to those struggling with addiction. It assures them that there is a way out and that help is available. Many victims stay away from society due to shame and fear, but this campaign is breaking those barriers, encouraging them to seek treatment, return to their families, and rebuild their lives.

A defining moment of this historic campaign has marked every where in Jammu and Kashmir. The police, along with the local administration, have not left a stone unturned to eradicate this evil from society. Reports from locals and news of drug modules being busted and peddlers arrested clearly reflect the seriousness of the administration in tackling the issue.

While there is still a long way to go in the fight against drug abuse, the Indian Army has played a crucial role not only in stopping drugs at the borders but also in preventing infiltration. The Army’s tireless efforts have provided a strong safeguard against narco-terrorism, protecting Jammu and Kashmir from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and terrorist activities. Their vigilance and dedication have been vital in supporting the broader campaign to build a safer, drug-free society. This combined effort of the government, police, army, and people reflects a powerful commitment to securing the youth and future of the region with determination and unity.

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