Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday intensified its anti-drug campaign across several districts of Kashmir under the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan”, organising awareness programmes, PCPG meetings, rallies, marathon events and training sessions to promote a drug-free society.
The campaign was carried out in Handwara, Kupwara, Pulwama, Sopore, Ganderbal, Awantipora and Kulgam as part of the 100-day anti-drug initiative aimed at sensitising the public, particularly the youth, about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
In Handwara, police organised awareness programmes and PCPG meetings, besides conducting inspections of medical shops and checking identified drug hotspots.
The campaign witnessed active participation from students, youth, members of civil society and local residents, reflecting a collective commitment towards eradicating the menace of substance abuse.
During the programmes and inspections, officers sensitised the public about the harmful effects of drug addiction and its impact on individuals, families and society at large. Emphasis was laid on early prevention, community vigilance and the importance of reporting drug-related activities.
Interactive sessions were also conducted to educate young people and the general public about making informed life choices and resisting peer pressure.
In Kupwara, police conducted a series of awareness programmes in collaboration with schools, colleges and civil departments.
The programmes were organised with the objective of sensitising the public, particularly the youth, about the growing menace of drug abuse. Participants were educated about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encouraged to contribute collectively towards building a drug-free society.
Under the Nasha Mukti J&K Abhiyan, police in Pulwama, in collaboration with Higher Secondary School Hawal and Holystar English Medium School Drusoo, organised a cross-country marathon and an awareness march.
The marathon commenced from the Social Forestry Office at Arigam and culminated at the District Police Lines (DPL) Pulwama, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students and youth.
The event reflected strong competitive spirit and awareness among participants. The winners were felicitated with trophies and tokens of appreciation.
Simultaneously, an awareness march was taken out from Holystar English Medium School Drusoo to the District Police Office (DPO) Pulwama, where participants raised slogans against drug abuse. All participants were appreciated for their active involvement.
In Sopore, police, in collaboration with the Education Department, organised awareness programmes and outreach initiatives at Haritar and Dharnambal Tarzoo.
The programmes witnessed active participation from students, local residents and other stakeholders. Interactive awareness sessions and anti-drug rallies were organised, during which participants shared their concerns and expressed support for sustained action against the drug menace.
Police said that while strict action against drug trafficking continues, simultaneous awareness drives are being undertaken to address the issue at the societal level.
As part of the campaign, J&K Police also organised a training session on cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for investigating officers at the Conference Hall of District Police Office Ganderbal.
The session was attended by DySP Headquarters Ganderbal, Shri Umer Urfaan (JKPS), senior prosecuting officers and other senior officials.
During the session, officers imparted detailed knowledge about the legal and procedural aspects of NDPS cases. Emphasis was laid on proper investigation techniques, adherence to legal protocols, meticulous documentation and foolproof evidence collection to ensure convictions in courts.
Police said such capacity-building initiatives are aimed at strengthening the enforcement mechanism against drug trafficking and equipping officers with the skills necessary to effectively combat substance abuse.
Continuing its awareness campaign, police organised anti-drug programmes at Government High School Kachnambal, Government Higher Secondary School Chattergul and Sadat Valley Educational Institute, Wakura, in Ganderbal district.
Students and staff were sensitised about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of leading a healthy, drug-free life.
During the sessions, police officers stressed that combating drug abuse is a collective responsibility involving students, parents and educators. Interactive discussions, lectures and awareness sessions were conducted to maximise outreach and impact.
In Awantipora, police organised an anti-drug awareness programme at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Khrew.
The programme was attended by SDPO Pampore and SHO Khrew, who interacted with students and staff and highlighted the serious physical, mental and social consequences of drug abuse.
The officers encouraged students to become ambassadors of a drug-free society and spread awareness among their peers and communities. They also urged students to focus on education, healthy lifestyles and constructive activities.
The initiative was appreciated by the school administration and students, who welcomed the efforts of police to promote a safe and drug-free environment.
Meanwhile, in Kulgam, police organised a Pad Yatra Rally at Yaripora under the directions of SSP Kulgam, Shri Anayat Ali Chowdhary (IPS), as part of the ongoing 100-day anti-drug campaign.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth, civil society members and local residents.
Participants carried placards and used various creative means to spread awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse and the importance of community vigilance.
Police officers who participated in the event stressed that the fight against drug abuse requires the collective responsibility of society.
People who attended the rally also emphasised the importance of a drug-free society and said such initiatives play a vital role in sensitising the youth and strengthening the resolve to build a drug-free Kulgam.
The programmes across the districts concluded with participants taking a pledge to work collectively towards the success of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan and ensure a safer, healthier and drug-free future for the coming generations.
