Chinar crusade: Scores march with J&K LG as Ganderbal becomes ground zero in war on narco-terror

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s 100‑day anti‑drug padyatra has reached its mid‑way milestone as a large group of people marched through Ganderbal, a district that has become a focal point in the ongoing battle against narco‑terrorism. The foot march, which began earlier this year on the chief minister’s home turf, now covers half of its planned duration, underscoring the administration’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and associated extremist financing.

Scores of residents, local officials and supporters joined Lieutenant Governor Sinha on the route, walking together in what has been described as a collective effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. The participation of a sizable crowd highlights the public’s engagement with the campaign and reflects the growing concern over narco‑terror activities in the region.

Ganderbal’s significance stems from its strategic location and the challenges it faces in terms of security and law‑enforcement. By choosing this area for the midpoint of the padyatra, the Lieutenant Governor signaled the gravity of the situation and the need for sustained action across the district. The march’s progress through Ganderbal also provides an opportunity for on‑the‑ground assessment of the anti‑drug measures being implemented.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose home constituency includes Ganderbal, has been closely associated with the initiative, lending political weight to the campaign. The presence of the chief minister’s home base in the area adds a layer of accountability, as the administration aims to demonstrate tangible results in the fight against narcotics and terror networks.

The padyatra’s 100‑day timeline is part of a broader strategy to combine community outreach with enforcement actions. As the march approaches its conclusion, the administration plans to evaluate its impact, potentially leading to further policy adjustments and intensified operations in regions where narco‑terrorism remains a persistent threat.

Overall, the mid‑way milestone in Ganderbal marks a notable step in the coordinated effort to address drug abuse and its link to terrorism, with the active participation of local residents reinforcing the campaign’s grassroots dimension.

Source: Hindustan Times