Exclusive Interview/ Manoj Sinha, lieutenant governor, Jammu and Kashmir
Not all Lok Bhavans match the grandeur of the one in Srinagar. Nestled in the Zabarwan Hills and overlooking the Dal Lake, the pre-independence-era building was where we met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, after he had addressed a rally in Shopian as part of his 100-day padyatra, a campaign that has been drawing massive crowds—a rarity even for political leaders. After a four-kilometre evening walk through the gardens, home to nearly every fruit for which Kashmir is famous, Sinha sat down for a conversation with THE WEEK.
In August, Sinha will complete six years in office. With another 50 days added to that tenure, he will become the third longest-serving occupant of the gubernatorial post in Jammu and Kashmir.
Much has changed in the valley in recent years. The region has witnessed a period of relative peace, and security forces have gained the upper hand against militants. Tourists continue to flock to Kashmir during the summer months despite the terror attack in Pahalgam last year.
Sinha is now focusing on a serious challenge faced by border states—the drug menace. Fuelled by trafficking networks operating across the border, the narcotics trade poses a grave threat not only to society but also to national security, as the profits help sustain terror modules. Sinha spoke to THE WEEK about the battle against drugs, the security situation, and the region’s most forceful political demand—the restoration of statehood.
Edited excerpts:
Q/ Your Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign is nearing the halfway mark. What are the concrete outcomes?
We launched a 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign with a clear strategy to assess how effectively we could act and control the situation.
From April 11 to May 20, 856 first information reports were registered and 946 offenders arrested. Around 758kg of narcotics were seized, including nearly 10kg of heroin. As many as 22,686 units of psychotropic substances were seized. Thirty-six detentions were made under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. As many as 128 properties worth more than Rs60 crore were attached. Awareness programmes were organised at 2,846 hotspots, sensitising nearly five lakh people. Action was initiated against erring druggists and chemists. As many as 186 driving licences and 244 vehicle registrations were cancelled or suspended, while 116 passports were recommended for impounding.
These figures from roughly 40 days show the intensity and seriousness with which the police are acting.
Q/ You have linked drug trafficking to cross-border narco-terrorism. How organised and active is this network across the Line of Control, and what steps are being taken against it?
In Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism and smuggling are essentially two sides of the same coin. The money reaches organisations that promote radicalisation, purchase weapons and fuel terrorism. Investigations have established this connection.
Q/ Rehabilitation is an important part of any anti-drug campaign. What has the administration done on this front?
There are three aspects to this issue. First is disrupting the supply chain completely. Second is large-scale awareness. Third is rehabilitation.
I believe we have achieved considerable success on awareness. In disrupting the supply chain, too, I would say we have achieved nearly 90 per cent success. Rehabilitation, however, remains a challenge.
We have formulated a detailed rehabilitation policy after discussions with stakeholders and officials. It is difficult work, but we are committed to implementing it sincerely. The first step is identifying such individuals, ensuring long-term treatment and tracking them so they do not relapse. It is equally important to connect them with employment opportunities. A comprehensive policy has been prepared and some people have already benefited from it.
Q/ There has been bulldozer action against some of those who are alleged to be traffickers and smugglers. Critics say such actions bypass due process. How do you respond to that criticism?
Under the PIT-NDPS Act, there are provisions for attachment of properties. All action is being taken within the legal framework. As for demolitions, one has to consider that there are people who had no means of survival a few years ago but have suddenly built massive narcotics-linked properties, often on government land.
If someone encroaches on government land, and builds what people call “narco palaces” while destroying the youth of society, the administration is bound to act.
At a public meeting in Shopian, I clearly said that if even one innocent person has faced wrongful action, we will conduct an impartial inquiry. Anyone found responsible for targeting an innocent person will also face legal action.
Q/ Drug trafficking on such a large scale cannot function without political or police complicity. Has action been taken against people within the system?
We believe that every section of society has both good and bad elements. Our police force has brave personnel who sacrifice their lives for the country and contribute to development in Jammu and Kashmir. But if there are corrupt elements within the system, they, too, will be identified and action will be taken.
Q/ Do you think continuation as a Union territory under an LG is better than statehood?
Before the assembly elections, governance was directly under the LG administration. It would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on that period now. But I can say that we made significant progress in creating a transparent system focused on peace, prosperity and a people-first approach.
Now there is an elected government. In a democracy like India, it cannot be argued that LG rule is preferable to statehood.
As for statehood, when Article 370 was abrogated, the home minister had clearly laid out the sequence: delimitation first, then elections, and statehood at an appropriate time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also publicly reiterated this.
People ask about the timeline, but I cannot specify that.
Q/ For decades, Kashmir was viewed nationally and internationally through the lens of conflict. Has that perception changed?
In my view, it has not merely changed. It has been completely transformed.
Q/ You are nearing six years in office. Personally, what have you learned from governing Jammu and Kashmir?
I have learned that if your intentions are honest and you remain in continuous dialogue with people, you can understand problems properly and find solutions.
