SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday intensified anti-drug awareness and enforcement activities across several districts of Kashmir under the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan”, carrying out vehicle checks, awareness programmes, community meetings, rallies and public outreach campaigns.
In Ganderbal, police launched a series of enforcement measures as part of the campaign aimed at creating a drug-free society.
Surprise checking of vehicles and individuals was carried out in and around Government Degree College Ganderbal and the campus of Central University of Kashmir to deter drug peddling and substance abuse, particularly near educational institutions.
Police also conducted a special drive to enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products near schools and colleges, warning of strict action against violators.
At the same time, awareness programmes were held in markets across the district, where police officers sensitised shopkeepers, youth and members of the public about the harmful effects of drugs and the legal consequences of narcotics and tobacco-related offences.
In Awantipora and Pulwama, police organised drug awareness programmes under the same campaign.
The Awantipora programme was held in Khrew under the supervision of the Station House Officer of Police Station Khrew and was attended by students and local residents.
In Pulwama, the awareness programme was organised at Government High School Bandzoo by the Women Police Station. Students and school staff were sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse, its impact on physical and mental health and the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Speakers stressed that substance abuse adversely affects academic performance, future prospects and social well-being, and called for greater involvement of parents, schools and the community in tackling the problem.
Meanwhile, in Budgam, police organised village-level Police Community Partnership Group meetings in Sonpah, Khag and Checkmarg under the 100-day anti-drug campaign.
Officials said the meetings were aimed at strengthening coordination between police and the public, while also sensitising local communities to the growing threat of substance abuse among youth.
Pledge-taking ceremonies were also organised at Government Degree College Khansahib and higher secondary schools in the Khansahib sub-division, where students, teachers and staff pledged to work towards a drug-free society.
In Sopore, police stepped up awareness and enforcement activities in Behrampora, Nadihal, Chankhan, Wagub and Bomai in collaboration with the Education and Rural Development departments.
Anti-drug rallies and awareness programmes were held at multiple institutions, with students and local residents participating in large numbers. Police also inspected medical stores and pharmacies to ensure compliance with norms and prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Officials said the campaign in Sopore combined public outreach with strict enforcement measures against drug trafficking.
Similarly, police in Shopian organised a sticker campaign under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan as part of the 100-day action plan.
The campaign began from the town’s clock tower area, where stickers carrying messages such as “Say No to Drugs” were pasted on vehicles and at prominent public places.
Senior police officers, citizens and civil society representatives participated in the drive, reflecting what officials described as a collective effort to eradicate the drug menace.
Police urged people, particularly the youth, to stay away from narcotics and appealed to the public to share information about drug-related activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
