Bandipora: District Magistrate Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar on Monday reviewed the district’s anti-drug initiatives and enforcement measures during a meeting of the District Level National Committee on Drug Law Enforcement (NCORD).
The meeting reviewed cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, along with action taken against drug peddlers, narcotics seizures, property attachments and other enforcement measures. The SSP presented a police station-wise status of cases and the progress of investigations.
The District Magistrate directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to ensure that vehicles whose registration certificates have been cancelled are not allowed to operate and that all such cases are processed in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The Deputy Director Prosecution briefed the meeting on acquittals, bail matters and pending cases. Chib directed that officers from the Prosecution Department and Police participate in the weekly Nun Chai Talks programme to educate young people about the legal consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.
Reviewing the functioning of the Drug Control Department, the District Magistrate directed officials to intensify inspections of courier service providers to prevent their misuse for transporting narcotic substances.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Zaffar Husson Shawl presented progress made under the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, including awareness initiatives such as Maa Se Guft-a-Gu, Dosti Discussions, Nun Chai Talks, religious outreach programmes and anti-drug wall paintings in schools and colleges.
The District Magistrate directed all schools to submit certificates confirming completion of anti-drug wall paintings and instructed departments to continue awareness campaigns in educational institutions, Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
The meeting also reviewed implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Chib directed the concerned departments, particularly the Child Welfare Committee, to submit impact assessment reports on the implementation of COTPA and ensure strict enforcement of its provisions.
Reviewing the Rehbar initiative, she directed district officers to mentor recovered youth assigned to them and facilitate their rehabilitation through sustained guidance and institutional support.
The Chief Medical Officer and Medical Officer of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) briefed the meeting on treatment and rehabilitation services. The District Magistrate directed the Health Department to ensure uninterrupted functioning of in-patient services at the facility.
Emphasising sustained action against drug abuse, Chib called for continuous monitoring, effective inter-departmental coordination and strengthened awareness and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the meeting that key initiatives launched under the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan would continue beyond the campaign period.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Zaffar Husson Shawl, Superintending Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B) Circle Bandipora, Deputy Director Education, Deputy Director Prosecution, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DAR), Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, District Information Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Assistant Controller Drugs and other officers.
