Banihal, May 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) has floated a tender for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Baglihar Hydro Electric Project Stage-III in Ramban district. According to the tender notice uploaded on the Jammu and Kashmir e-procurement portal, the consultancy tender has been issued under reference number “JKSPDC/BHEP STAGE-III / 01 of 2026 dated 18-05-2026.” The tender pertains to consultancy services for preparation of the DPR and allied technical documents for the upcoming hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. As per the tender details, the bid submission process will begin from May 23, 2026, while the last date for online submission of bids has been fixed as June 27, 2026.  Technical bids are scheduled to be opened on June 29, 2026, in Srinagar. The tender document states that the project falls under the consultancy category and will be executed in hybrid mode. An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 10 lakh and a tender fee of Rs 10,000 have also been prescribed for participating firms. The proposed Baglihar Stage-III project is expected to further strengthen hydroelectric power generation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab basin, which already hosts several major hydroelectric projects. The existing Baglihar Hydroelectric Project, located near Chanderkoot in Ramban district, is one of the flagship power projects of JKSPDCL with an installed capacity of around 900 MW.  Officials said that the new stage of the project will help enhance energy generation and support the Union Territory’s long-term power infrastructure development plans.

Srinagar, May 22: In a major boost to pilgrimage infrastructure and connectivity a newly constructed helipad at Katra was inaugurated by Hon'ble LG of JK, Manoj Sinha on 21 May 2026. The helipad measuring 100 m X 75 m alongwith 1100m connecting road has been constructed by 69 RCC/ 35 BRTF under Project Sampark BRO. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce travel difficulties and provide faster access to the pilgrimage destination. In addition to Katra helipad, Shiv Khori helipad was inaugurated by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.   Shivkhori helipad has been upgraded to 35 m x 35 m size alongwith other works like approach road a pre fabricated structure and a 27 m steel bridge at Shivkhori. The helicopter service will facilitate the pilgrimage coming from all over the country.

Reviews proposed interventions for transforming, strengthening ECCE in J&K; calls for holistic, inclusive, child-centric learning ecosystem across J&K Srinagar, May 18: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the interventions proposed for transforming and strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by the Social Welfare department across Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the minister took a comprehensive review of the ongoing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) initiatives, infrastructural preparedness, teacher training modules, learning outcomes, enrolment trends and convergence mechanisms aimed at ensuring quality foundational learning for children in the age group of 3 to 6 years. Addressing the officers, Sakeena Itoo underscored the critical importance of ECCE in shaping the cognitive, emotional and social development of children. She stated that ECCE forms the bedrock of the education system and plays a pivotal role in nurturing young minds during their most formative years. Stressing on the proper implementation of ECCE framework in coordination with School Education department, the Minister directed all concerned departments to work in close synergy to achieve measurable improvements in nutrition, school readiness and foundational learning outcomes. She also directed the officers to remove duplicity if any regarding children registered in Anganwadi Centres and schools. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to building an inclusive, equitable and child-friendly ECCE framework. She directed the concerned authorities to ensure effective implementation of play-based and activity-oriented learning methodologies across all pre-primary institutions and Anganwadi centres. Sakeena Itoo stressed the need for strengthening coordination between the School Education department and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure seamless delivery of early learning and nutrition support. She further called for enhanced parental awareness and community participation to create a supportive ecosystem for young learners. Highlighting the importance of trained educators, the Minister asked the concerned officers to intensify capacity-building programmes for ECCE teachers and Anganwadi workers to equip them with contemporary teaching techniques and child psychology-based learning approaches. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards quality education and child welfare and said that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy while ensuring that every child in Jammu and Kashmir receives a nurturing, stimulating and safe learning environment. The Minister also directed the concerned officers to strengthen Anameia checkups in AWCs so that maximum beneficiaries are covered. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez gave a detailed on proposed interventions regarding ECCE. He informed that innovative mentorship models are being implemented to bridge Anganwadis and primary schools, with mentor teachers providing pedagogical support and on-site guidance. He also said that that internship collaborations are being rolled out to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots. Commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma, Mission Director ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganai, Project Director Samagra Bhawani Rakhwal, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Finance/Director Planning of Health, Social Welfare, School Education and Higher Education departments, other senior officers, while as Director School Education Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Social Welfare Jammu, representatives of BISAG-N and other concerned officers attended the meeting through virtual mode.

Banihal, May 17: A truck driver was killed after his vehicle met with an accident near Nachilana on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Sunday morning. The truck bearing registration number of Haryana was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar when it skidded off the highway and rolled down into a gorge, plunging onto the banks of Nallah Bishlari. The truck was loaded with paint and hardware material. Police said that soon after receiving information about the accident, teams from Police, Traffic Police, Army’s 23 Rashtriya Rifles, Himalayan QRT Ramsoo, and volunteers of NGO Banihal Volunteers rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. They said the rescuers retrieved the driver from the severely damaged truck and shifted him to the nearby medical facility of 23 Rashtriya Rifles, where Army doctors declared him brought dead. Police said that the body of the deceased driver was later shifted to Sub-District Hospital Banihal for medico-legal formalities. However, the identity of the driver could not be established immediately, and efforts are underway to ascertain his identity. Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation into the accident.

Srinagar, May 7: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice if the controversy surrounding alleged malpractices in the West Bengal polls reaches the apex court of the country. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the party's provincial committee, Abdullah said everyone is raising questions over the poll results. "Mamata (Banerjee) is raising questions, Akhilesh (Yadav) is raising questions, everyone is raising questions (on the poll results). I hope they will take this to the Supreme Court and that the Supreme Court will deliver justice on it," the NC chief said. To a question over the unity in the opposition's India bloc, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "India bloc is always operative, it will continue to operate." On the party's meeting, he said several issues, including how to strengthen the party, were discussed. Meanwhile, NC's chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said the meeting of the provincial committee of the party takes place every month and discusses party affairs. "Discussions took place over party affairs, developmental works and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq told reporters. Asked if the cabinet expansion was discussed in the meeting, he said it was not the proper forum as cabinet expansion is the prerogative of the chief minister. "The CM will take a call on it when he deems fit. The meeting discussed party affairs, what MLAs think and what the situation is," Sadiq added.

Srinagar, May 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has warned against "working in silos" while highlighting disconnect between the security apparatus and the people’s representatives. He said that the region's security challenges cannot be resolved only through a purely military lens. About the after effects of last year's Pahalgam massacre of 26 people by terrorists, Abdullah spoke about the complexities of counter terrorism and revival of tourism and argued that keeping the elected government "totally disconnected" from the law-and-order machinery hampers the cross-flow of vital information. "The problem is that you're trying to deal with a security situation purely as a security situation. That is never going to be the case. The causes of terror and the effects of terror both have linkages to the wider community. "And therefore, when you operate in silos, when the elected government and the elected representatives are kept totally disconnected from the security and the law and order apparatus, then you will end up with this situation," the chief minister said while referring to busting of terror modules recently by the Srinagar police that remained elusive for many months. In a sharp observation on the disconnect between the law and order machinery and the people's representatives, Abdullah said that the existing gap is so wide that even basic professional courtesies, like a police officer saluting an elected official, have become a source of professional anxiety. "Today, a police officer thinks twice before saluting an MLA, a minister, or a chief minister... First, the poor guy is worried whether he should salute. Then, if he gathers the courage to do so, he looks to his right and left and thinks: 'Did anyone see me? Will my job be in danger?' This is the situation you're dealing with," he said, laughing at the paradox. He added that when the police don't even know whether they should be part of a civil function of the elected government, the cross-flow of information also becomes a bit problematic. "And again, I make the point, you cannot deal with terror or law and order purely from the security prism. Take, for example, what the LG (Manoj Sinha) these days is doing with the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan. Drug (trafficking) is primarily a security problem. It is primarily an enforcement problem of stopping drugs from entering Jammu and Kashmir. "But why is he doing foot marches? Why is he involving the general population? Because it's not just a law and order problem, right? It's a societal problem with law and order aspects. Same is true for terror. It is a law and order, it is a security problem. But it is not exclusively a security problem," he said. On the rise of terror modules and intelligence gathering, Abdullah shared a stark reality regarding his own access to sensitive data and said, "I get my intelligence from Twitter (X)," while highlighting the exclusion of the elected government from the security loop. He said that treating terror purely as a security issue, without involving the wider community via their representatives, is a flawed strategy. The chief minister also touched upon the delicate task of reviving tourism, which faced a setback after the "unfortunate" incident at Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22 last year. While domestic arrivals have increased, he noted that the sector remains a "victim of the geopolitical situation" and added that the conflict in Iran had a "dampening effect" on bookings with many potential travellers fearing Covid-style lockdown. Refusing to focus solely on "numbers and arrivals", Abdullah said he wants to avoid the "hype" that contributed to the volatile situation last year. "Confidence (of tourists) takes time...you can't bring it back in a week or a month. While people are more confident than they were last year, we realise that more needs to be done." The chief minister said that his government remains aware of the "limitations" it operates under but is committed to chipping away at the atmosphere of fear to ensure that both trekkers and domestic tourists return to the valley in healthy numbers. (PTI)

Jammu, May 7: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has written to the police, seeking the registration of an FIR against a Kashmiri displaced persons' leader for making allegations of illegal allotment and accepting bribes against the relief commissioner in a Facebook comment. According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu, he was allegedly instigating people against the Special Relief Ration Scheme notified by the government and encouraging them to resort to violence and create public disorder. The communication was addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu. Sunil Bhat, it said, made the allegations in the comment section of a video posted by Valley Express News on social media. "It has come to the notice of this office that one Sunil Bhat has posted a derogatory comment on Facebook social media site on the video post of Valley Express News, wherein he has mentioned that Relief Commissioner has made illegal allotment of shops and received bribe for allotments. "The comments of Sunil Bhat have tarnished the image of relief organisation in general and relief and rehabilitation commissioner in particular," the letter said. The communication further alleged that through his social media activity and other sources, Bhat was instigating people against the Special Relief Ration Scheme notified by the government and encouraging them to resort to violence and create public disorder. “As such, I am directed to kindly immediately lodge an FIR against Sh. Sunil Bhat,” the letter issued by Assistant Commissioner (Relief) Kailash Devi said. The administration maintained that the allotment of shops at Jagti migrant camp was carried out in a transparent manner on the recommendations of a committee of senior officers. It also said that the department was open to any inquiry or investigation by any government agency into the allotment process and would cooperate fully. On Wednesday, displaced Kashmiri Pandits protested here against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to integrate their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Minor clashes broke out between demonstrators and police as they attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s office. Community leaders described NFSA as a “black law” and a “trap” for Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that its implementation would dilute their distinct identity as displaced persons and affect their rehabilitation rights. (PTI)

Poonch, May 7: Special prayers were held at Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday to pay homage to those killed in Pakistani shelling following Operation Sindoor. Devotees gathered at the gurdwara to pray for peace and remember the victims, while condemning the attacks on civilian areas and religious places during the cross-border shelling. Twelve people were killed and 34 others injured in artillery and mortar shelling in Poonch -- the worst-hit border district -- soon after India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 last year. The operation targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. A gurdwara official told reporters that the shrine itself had come under Pakistani shelling during the hostilities. “Although there was no loss of life inside the gurdwara, the shrine suffered major damage,” he said, recalling that a shell later struck nearby residences killing two persons. The official said special prayers were organised to mark the first death anniversary of the victims. He said Pakistan attempted to disturb the communal harmony of the region where Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs had lived together peacefully for generations. “The shelling did not spare religious places. Shells hit the gurdwara, langar hall, temples, and mosques alike. An Islamiya teacher at a mosque was also killed,” he recalled. He added that while the government had provided compensation and employment to one member of each affected family, the loss of human lives could never truly be compensated. The Pakistani response involved heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting dozens of villages and densely populated civilian areas, including a gurdawara, temple, and a mosque in Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi, and Poonch town. Among those killed were two minor siblings — Mohd Zain Khan (10) and his elder sister Zoya Khan (12). Another victim, Balvinder Kour, was killed after a mortar shell struck her house in Mankote, while her 13-year-old daughter sustained injuries. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The action triggered a rapid escalation in tensions with Pakistan launching retaliatory strikes, though most of them were thwarted by the Indian military. The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10 following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides. (PTI)

New Delhi, May 6 : The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday described the North Tech Symposium as a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector, emphasising that the initiative brings together users, industry, and academia under a common platform. In a video message, Lt. Sharma stated that the symposium is being held in the historic city of Prayagraj, situated at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Themed ‘Defence Triveni Confluence’, the event aims to integrate ideas, innovation, and operational experience into the armed forces’ capabilities, he said. For the first time, two frontline commands of the Indian Army have united on one stage to share operational experience, the Army Commander said. He identified the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPDA) as co-participants. Lt Gen Sharma said the symposium will see armed forces, industries, start-ups, innovators, and academic institutions collaborate to find solutions to critical operational challenges. Describing the present as a turning point in a fast-changing battlefield, he observed that innovation not only aids ideas but also shapes them. The Defence Minister’s announcement of the ‘Year of Reforms’ and subsequent joint efforts have reduced the gap between ideas and innovation, Lt Gen Sharma added. He said the initiative is inspired by the principles of ‘Jai’ — Jointness, Independence, and Innovation — which is crucial for modernising combat capability. The symposium provides industry partners a platform to showcase technical capabilities and understand end-user requirements in depth, the Army Commander said, adding that this would enable the Indian defence industry to produce customised weaponry. He emphasised that the event will deliver practical technological solutions for soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. Based on operational challenges faced by the Army, focus teams will ensure clear problem statements, immediate feedback, and practical solutions, Lt Gen Sharma said. He said that the cooperative model brings together end-users, innovation partners, industry, start-ups, and academia, with technical seminars, equipment displays, and army innovations adding value to the event. Lt Gen Sharma also highlighted an unprecedented level of coordination among the armed forces, industry, academia, and government institutions. He expressed gratitude to all participants, government agencies, SIDM, and UPDA, stating that their cooperation had made the project a real success.

Srinagar, May 3: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that drug peddlers are enemies of the nation and will be dealt with accordingly. He termed drug trafficking as “silent terrorism” which is aimed at destroying Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, families and future. Addressing a gathering at TRC Football Ground here during the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’ before leading the padyatra, LG Sinha said the anti-drug campaign has transformed into a “Jan Andolan” within just 22 days. “This war is being fought in every home, every mohalla and every lane where drugs are draining the life force of our youth,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor said the oath against drugs is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, anguish of families and concern of teachers who have seen young lives getting destroyed. “This is not just a government pledge. It is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said. LG Sinha said he personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and undertook padyatras, where a unified message emerged from people. “Everyone said, we want our children back, we want our future back. Today I have come to Kashmir to say we will bring it back at any cost,” he said. He added that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight. Narco-Terror Angle  Flagging a serious security dimension, the LG said drug trafficking is linked to terrorism. “We are facing a dangerous enemy sitting in our neighbourhood. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and procure weapons,” he said. He added that narco networks are targeting the “most creative and productive force, our youth” and trying to weaken families, economy and moral foundations. “They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he said. 100-Day Campaign, 78 Days Left  LG Sinha said a 100-day campaign was launched from April 11 to involve every citizen in the fight, with 78 days still remaining. “Every day, every hour is important. We must ensure maximum public participation and make JK a model drug-free society,” he said. Three-front Strategy He said the administration is working on three front. Breaking supply chains. Mass awareness. Rehabilitation of addicts However, he stressed that “public participation is the biggest weapon.” “Police action and laws alone are not enough unless society stands together,” he said. Massive Crackdown Giving figures, the LG said that between April 11 and May 2, over 481 FIRs registered, 518 drug smugglers arrested, 24 narco properties attached; 26 in Kashmir districts, around 300 driving licences suspended. Several licences cancelled; 5 passports cancelled, 325 vehicles seized. 3000+ drug stores inspected. As many as 107 licences suspended; FIR lodged against one. He said financial transactions of drug syndicates are being tracked and “each link of the network is being broken.” Strict Warning “I assure the people that every culprit will be identified. Whether inside or outside JK, anyone linked to drug networks will face the strictest law,” he said. LG Sinha said that police stations will maintain photo galleries of peddlers and lookout notices are being issued against absconders. No Mercy For Guilty Reiterating zero tolerance, LG Sinha said: “Where there is guilt, there will be no mercy. But the innocent will not be touched.” He said drug smugglers will be treated like enemies of the country. “They are enemies of humanity and our youth,” he said. Silent Terrorism “Some call it crime, but I say it is terrorism silent terrorism. It is poisoning lives, weakening families and destroying society,” he said. The LG urged people to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration. “Prepare lists of drug traffickers and cooperate with police and civil administration. Together we will eliminate this menace,” he said. He also called upon religious leaders, imams, teachers, women and youth groups to actively participate. “The time for silence is over,” he said He said over 70,000 people have already joined the movement, with women’s committees, youth clubs and social organisations playing a key role. Message to Youth In a direct appeal, LG Sinha said: “Taking drugs is not ‘cool’. Those trapped are victims and must be helped through treatment and compassion.” “The days of those trying to destroy Jammu and Kashmir are over. We have taken a pledge to make JK drug-free and we will achieve it with full determination,” he added. (KNO)

Joins Padyatra in Udhampur for Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Jammu, April 27: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that unity will be our shield and resolve our weapon in the war against drugs "Let us commit to shaping a Jammu Kashmir where young people carve free destinies, families remain whole, communities thrive strong, and aspirations blaze anew. We stand unwavering for our youth, for our future," he said. He said the battle against drug menace demands unity beyond all divisions. "As citizens of Jammu Kashmir, we should pledge to stand together, bound by our common duty to protect our youth, strengthen families, and secure prosperity," he added. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan at Udhampur. The Lieutenant Governor had joined thousands of residents in Padyatra and urged every citizen to recognize Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan as our shared war against narcotics and he said that together we must win this battle. “Jammu Kashmir is now rising with renewed strength to reject the drug menace that corrodes our society. We vow to shield our youth from its grip. I assure the people that the spirit of our land will not be stifled. This is the hour for society to awaken, to fight and to prevail,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He said that no single authority can wage this battle against drug abuse alone and it must ignite within every heart. “Let every village, hamlet, and city of Udhampur become fortresses of resistance; let every household stand as a vigilant bastion. I call upon each resident to enlist as a warrior in this cause,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that every section of society must embrace the spirit of Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan so that history records that on April 27, the flame of hope, unity, and determination was kindled in Udhampur. “Every family must rise, ensuring that chronicles remember Udhampur’s united stand, united fight, united triumph and a legacy of a narcotics-free tomorrow dedicated to nation-building," he said. He said in the coming 83 days, let people reshape society’s perception and treat those trapped in addiction as sufferers who deserve compassion and not condemnation. "Rehabilitation must restore their dignity and reintegrate them into the community. Let collective energy drive the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign. Transform awareness into accountability, ensuring public participation deepens and highlight the vital role of women and youth in leading this fight,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that this war against drug menace will unfold in phases, each demanding courage and devotion. He further added that awareness campaigns must enlighten families about drug addiction symptoms and dangers of narcotics and they should be reminded that the threat is not distant, but among us. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off an Anti-drug awareness Bike rally and launched Mini-Olympics under the Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign. He also handed over sanction letters to individuals recovered from substance abuse, and felicitated the winner of Nasha Mukt Ideas Championship.

Jammu, Apr 11: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday warned that the drug Smugglers' assets will be seized while ringleaders prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly. He was speaking while during the flag-off of Padyatra while joining the public representatives, senior officials and thousands of citizens in the walkathon from MA Stadium to Parade Ground, marking the beginning of 100-days intensive campaign under Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.  He launched the historic mass movement for a “Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir” from the venue. “The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licenses, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” he said. He said new SoP has been issued against the drug traffickers. "Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licenses of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately," he said. He said that additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen, and financial investigation will be launched. The Lieutenant Governor gave a clarion call to make Jammu Kashmir free from the scourge of drugs. “We have given voice to a resolve that will reach every village, town, city, home, and heartbeat in Union Territory, fulfilling the pledge of a drug-free region. Next three months are pivotal, with campaign advancing in six clear phases- Awareness intensive drives, youth focused events, community engagement, strict enforcement, rehabilitation and evaluation. We will move forward with the whole of government approach to rid J&K of drug menace,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the eradication of drug addiction is a collective responsibility that rests upon us all. “We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files but behind each lies a vivid story, a family's struggle and agony," he said. He said that drug-free J&K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family's tragedy but a challenge to us all. "Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse,” the Lieutenant Governor said.  The Lieutenant Governor said that drug abuse is among J&K's gravest challenges and we stand firm in our commitment to confront drug abuse and emerge victorious. “Bound by shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month long people's movement across J&K will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers to free the J&K UT from the grip of the drug menace. “Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law. Our neighbor is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation's future. Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay,” the Lieutenant Governor said. On 2nd April, we had notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026, ensuring every center is genuine, dedicated to patients affected by addiction, equipped with all required human resources, and under continuous monitoring. Action will be taken against centers operating without support staff or in violation of the rules,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor directed the senior officers for swift action on complaints and strengthening of grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit. “Our strength in Drug-Free J&K Campaign lies in collective action. When departments unite with shared purpose, we prevail. Since early 2021 we have moved beyond planning to decisive action for Drug-Free J&K. We are successfully implementing initiatives that have reached previously untouched communities, engaged youth in schools, and expanded rehabilitation services. No individual faces this battle alone; the administration stands firmly committed,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women and athletes to participate in large numbers since they are the face, force and future of this campaign. “The next three months will sow seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervor, debates steel youth resolve, quizzes embed awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; unity marches, Padyatra inspire neighborhoods; marathons from panchayats to cities declare that J&K will never bow to drugs,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that from village chaupals to district headquarters, every event must pulse with mass movement spirit, followed by reviews because feedback will be our compass to refine, strategize and act stronger. “April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the first step of a transformative march. Let us build a movement so broad, so resolute, and so deeply people-driven that it lays the foundation of a drug-free J&K,” he further said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the “Anti-Drug Pledge” to the citizens and unveiled the official campaign mascot. Awareness Video, singing and cultural performances by renowned artists echoed the message of a drug-free Jammu Kashmir. The Padyatra was warmly received by business organizations, civil society members, and various stakeholders along the route.