‘Rehabilitation facilities have been expanded across district hospitals’: Anshul Garg
In an interview with THE WEEK, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg outlines the three pillars of the anti-drug campaign and explains how the administration is tackling challenges
The anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, known as Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, is a multi-pronged initiative that extends beyond traditional law enforcement to encompass prevention and rehabilitation, as detailed by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg. The campaign's three core pillars involve extensive awareness efforts, including the mobilization of approximately 7,000 religious leaders to address drug issues during Friday prayers and the proactive engagement of over seven lakh youth through more than 15,000 sporting events and the development of playfields in all 2,182 panchayats. Enforcement measures are robust, utilizing the PIT-NDPS law for preventive detention and targeting assets derived from drug money, with over 28 properties, primarily commercial structures, having been demolished after rigorous intelligence gathering and administrative review, and punitive actions extending to driving licenses and passports. Complementing these efforts, rehabilitation services have been decentralized from Srinagar to district hospitals across the valley, now offering 299 beds supported by mental health professionals.
The anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, known as Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, is a multi-pronged initiative that extends beyond traditional law enforcement to encompass prevention and rehabilitation, as detailed by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg. The campaign's three core pillars involve extensive awareness efforts, including the mobilization of approximately 7,000 religious leaders to address drug issues during Friday prayers and the proactive engagement of over seven lakh youth through more than 15,000 sporting events and the development of playfields in all 2,182 panchayats. Enforcement measures are robust, utilizing the PIT-NDPS law for preventive detention and targeting assets derived from drug money, with over 28 properties, primarily commercial structures, having been demolished after rigorous intelligence gathering and administrative review, and punitive actions extending to driving licenses and passports. Complementing these efforts, rehabilitation services have been decentralized from Srinagar to district hospitals across the valley, now offering 299 beds supported by mental health professionals.
The anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, known as Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, is a multi-pronged initiative that extends beyond traditional law enforcement to encompass prevention and rehabilitation, as detailed by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg. The campaign's three core pillars involve extensive awareness efforts, including the mobilization of approximately 7,000 religious leaders to address drug issues during Friday prayers and the proactive engagement of over seven lakh youth through more than 15,000 sporting events and the development of playfields in all 2,182 panchayats. Enforcement measures are robust, utilizing the PIT-NDPS law for preventive detention and targeting assets derived from drug money, with over 28 properties, primarily commercial structures, having been demolished after rigorous intelligence gathering and administrative review, and punitive actions extending to driving licenses and passports. Complementing these efforts, rehabilitation services have been decentralized from Srinagar to district hospitals across the valley, now offering 299 beds supported by mental health professionals.
THE ANTI-DRUG campaign in Jammu and Kashmir goes well beyond conventional law enforcement. It combines stringent action against traffickers and assets linked to drug money with a range of preventive and rehabilitative measures. These include organising sports leagues that engage thousands of youth to mobilising religious leaders to spread awareness.
In an interview with THE WEEK, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg outlines the three pillars of the campaign and explains how the administration is tackling challenges. Excerpts:
Q/ Tell us about the different contours of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan being carried out by the state government and the LG’s office?
Awareness campaigns are being carried out across all 10 districts of Kashmir, led by deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police. Around 7,000 religious leaders are now part of the campaign and have been asked to speak about the issue during Friday prayers.
The second dimension is enforcement. The PIT-NDPS law (Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) allows preventive detention. Authorities have undertaken seizure and demolition of properties linked to drug proceeds, especially on state or encroached land. The campaign has expanded punitive measures to include recommendations for cancellation of driving licences, vehicle registration certificates, passports and Aadhaar-related actions.
The third dimension is rehabilitation. Earlier, rehabilitation facilities were concentrated in Srinagar. Now, facilities have been expanded across district hospitals, with 299 beds across the valley. Every district hospital has five to 20 beds, supported by psychiatrists and counsellors.
Q/ Sports appears to be an integral part of the campaign.
Sports has been a focus area for the lieutenant governor for the last few years. Playfields had already been developed in every panchayat across Kashmir. There are 2,182 panchayats; all of them now have redeveloped or reactivated playfields.
Several new leagues have been launched specifically under this campaign. The LG has been visiting districts to inaugurate tournaments. Over the past 45 days, foundation stones have been laid or inaugurations held for 74 new playfields.
More than 15,000 sporting events have been organised with participation from around seven lakh youth.
Q/ There is humanitarian concerns over stringent action such as demolition of properties.
More than 28 properties have been demolished so far. Inputs come from intelligence agencies, police and the district administration before action is taken. In most cases, the demolished properties were commercial structures built through proceeds from drug trafficking.
The LG has repeatedly said that anyone who feels wrongly targeted can approach the administration. So far, there has been no such complaint.