Srinagar: Continuing its ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’, Police on Saturday organised a series of awareness programmes, public outreach campaigns and enforcement drives across Awantipora, Bandipora, Shopian and Budgam to sensitise people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and tobacco consumption.
In Awantipora, Police Station Tral conducted an awareness drive during which posters highlighting the ill effects of drugs and tobacco were displayed at various public places. Police personnel interacted with locals and urged them to lead a drug-free life.
During the drive, police also took action against violators of tobacco control laws. Several persons were fined under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act for smoking in public places and other violations.
Meanwhile, Police Station Khrew organised a drug awareness programme at Sharshalli under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Pampore. Locals were sensitised about the dangers of substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families and society.
In Bandipora, police, in coordination with the Drug Control Team, carried out a checking drive under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign. The drive focused on chemist shops located near schools and colleges to ensure compliance with prescribed norms and prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs among youth.
Police said records related to the sale and stock of medicines were checked and chemists were directed to strictly follow the guidelines and maintain proper documentation.
A separate drug awareness programme was also organised at Police Station Hajin, where members of the public were informed about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of community participation in building a drug-free society.
In Shopian, police organised an awareness programme under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’ in Zainapora and also conducted a sticker campaign in Keller.
The programmes witnessed participation from local residents as well as officials from the police and civil administration. Speakers highlighted the growing menace of substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families and society. Participants were also informed about the legal consequences of involvement in drug-related activities and were urged to spread awareness in their communities.
Meanwhile, under the ongoing 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan’, police in Budgam organised an awareness padyatra in Magam.
The padyatra was led by SDPO Magam Mohammad Ashrif along with SHO Magam and saw participation from students of various schools, teachers and police personnel.
Carrying banners and placards with slogans such as “Say No to Drugs, Choose Life” and “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, the participants marched through key areas of Magam to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage youth to adopt a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Police also continued village-level Police Community Partnership Group meetings in different areas of the district, including Sholipora in Budgam, Yarikhah in Khansahib, Hayatpora in Chadoora, Gagerpora in Narbal, and at Islamic Public School Kralpora and Humhama.
During these meetings, police officers highlighted the increasing incidence of substance abuse among youth and stressed the need for a collective community response to tackle the problem.
Participants were urged to cooperate with police in identifying and preventing drug-related activities, while youth were encouraged to stay away from narcotics and become ambassadors of positive change in their localities.
