Baramulla, May 11: The stage is set for Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to lead a massive anti-drug padyatra here on Tuesday, with thousands of students, traders, clerics, and civil society members besides political leaders set to join the rally under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ — part of the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign.
Elaborate arrangements are in place at the Showkat Ali Stadium, where the march will commence. Youth bodies, social organisations, former panchayat members, religious leaders, traders, hoteliers, and women’s groups will walk alongside the LG under the common banner of ‘Nasha Mukt Baramulla’. The padyatra will culminate at Dak Banglow Baramulla.
“From youth leaders to social activists to people from all walks of life, thousands are set to join the gathering,” a senior district official said, adding that security and logistics have been fine-tuned.
Another senior civil official said the LG’s participation would send a strong signal of top-down commitment. “This is not just a march. It is a movement to save our next generation.”
Speaking to Kashmir Convener Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, S H Fakhruddin, said the padyatra has evolved into a people’s movement. “The awareness campaign and the slogan against drug abuse are not merely symbolic events; they represent sincere efforts to address the growing menace. This is not just an event prepared by the administration alone — it is shaped and supported by the people.”
The DC appealed to people to reach the stadium before 7:30 am. The LG will join and lead the rally at around 10 am.
Mohammad Ashraf a senior Traders said the business community has decided to keep all shops shut till noon to facilitate maximum participation. “Drug addiction has destroyed countless families and pushed many young men out of the workforce. As traders, we see the impact every day. This is not the administration’s fight alone — it is our fight,” Ashraf told Kashmir Convener.
Bilal Ahmad Mir a students head in Baramulla District said over 2,500 college and school students have registered to participate. “We have lost too many young people to substance abuse even mostly students , he said some have dropped out, some are in rehabilitation. Our generation cannot afford to look away. We are marching because our future depends on it,” Mir said.
Maulvi Reyaz Ahmad, a prominent imam said Friday sermons over the past two weeks have focused on the prohibition of intoxicants in Islam. “We have told our congregations that remaining silent on this issue is a sin. More than 50 mosques in Baramulla town alone are sending delegations to the padyatra,” he said.
Women’s self-help groups, many associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission, are expected to turn out in large numbers. Razia Begum, 48, a member of an SHG from Delina village, said mothers have been the worst hit. “I have seen families sell their land, their livestock, their dignity — all because of one addict in the house. We are not coming to Baramulla for a photo op. We are coming to demand action,” she said.
On Monday, a public meeting convened by youth activist Touseef Raina drew hundreds of youngsters and senior citizens in support of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan.
Addressing the gathering, Raina urged people to unite against the drug menace. “Cooperate with the administration and help rehabilitate affected youth instead of merely making videos or reels,” he said, stressing the need to guide those trapped in addiction toward proper de-addiction centres. Attendees appreciated Raina’s efforts, organisers said.
A prominent educationalist and school owner from Sopore has extended full support to the Lieutenant Governor’s ‘Padyatra’ against drugs, asserting that students must lead from the front. He called for collective societal intervention to combat the rising substance abuse among youth.
He said, “It is time for everyone to participate in this good cause. We want a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir — for our children’s better and successful future.”
Emphasising the role of educational institutions in shaping a healthier tomorrow, he said that students from his school will not only join the march but will also play a leading role in the Padyatra alongside the Lieutenant Governor.
“Our students will lead the march shoulder to shoulder with the LG. This is not just an event — it is a movement to save our next generation,” he added.
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