SHOPIAN: Under the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan, the District Administration Shopian on Friday organised a grand district-level awareness programme at Government Degree College Shopian and also launched a sticker-pasting drive at Gagren to spread awareness against drug abuse.
The awareness programme at the college was attended by Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the need for a coordinated and proactive approach involving parents, teachers and society to protect youth from drug addiction. He called for greater awareness, guidance and early intervention at the grassroots level.
The programme was attended by Prof Tariq Ahmad Mir, civil society members, traders, vendors, drivers, ASHA workers, students and officials from various departments.
Suhail Ahmad, in his welcome address, said the fight against drug abuse must become a people’s movement rather than remain only a government initiative. He emphasized that lasting success would come only through collective ownership and coordinated efforts by all sections of society.
Speaking on the health dimension of substance abuse, Dr. Ishrat Jabeen highlighted the causes and adverse effects of drug abuse and stressed the need for awareness, early identification and preventive intervention, especially among youth.
Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad elaborated on the psychological aspects of addiction, explaining why people turn to drugs, the types of substances commonly abused and their short-term and long-term impact on the body and mind. Through real-life examples, he underlined the devastating consequences of addiction and the importance of timely intervention.
An awareness film depicting the realities of drug abuse was also screened during the event.
From the law-enforcement perspective, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir said police were continuing strict action against drug traffickers and urged people to cooperate in reporting drug-related activities to help break the supply chain.
It was also highlighted that Government Degree College Shopian has set up a monitoring cell, installed CCTV cameras, organized awareness programmes and pledge ceremonies, and undertaken student engagement initiatives to maintain vigilance against drug abuse.
Meanwhile, the district administration also launched a sticker-pasting and awareness drive at Sumo Stand Gagren. The initiative, inaugurated by Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, involved pasting anti-drug awareness stickers on commercial vehicles to sensitize transporters and the general public.
The drive, jointly carried out by the Social Welfare and Motor Vehicles departments, specifically targeted drivers and transport operators, recognizing their role in reaching large sections of the public on a daily basis.
Besides Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, the drive was attended by Ibrar Hussain and other officials.
