BANDIPORA: The District Administration Bandipora on Saturday launched a district-wide “Dosti Discussion” series across schools under the 100-day mission mode campaign of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, aimed at involving students, parents and communities in the fight against drug abuse.
The first session was organised at Higher Secondary School Aragam, where the focus remained on the role of peer groups in preventing substance abuse among youth.
The administration said similar “Dosti Discussion” sessions would now be held in every high and higher secondary school in Bandipora during the 100-day campaign.
The programme at Aragam witnessed participation from students, parents and local residents.
Indu Kanwal Chib administered an anti-drug pledge and held an open interaction with participants, assuring administrative support and urging people to report drug peddling and seek help for those affected.
She described drug abuse as a “societal emergency” requiring a united response and called upon families, schools, religious institutions and youth organisations to play an active role in tackling the menace.
The Deputy Commissioner also urged the community to display anti-drug messages at mosques, schools and other public places and stressed the importance of parents spending more time with their children and remaining involved in their upbringing.
She encouraged greater participation of youth in sports, libraries, co-curricular activities and government initiatives such as Mission YUVA to help steer them away from substance abuse.
Mohammad Syed Mir termed the programme a historic step for Aragam and said the community was committed to building a drug-free society.
The “Dosti Discussion” series forms part of the district administration’s 100-day IEC and outreach calendar under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, scheduled from April 15 to July 23.
Meanwhile, the administration also organised a series of awareness programmes across educational institutions in the district.
Awareness films, short videos and documentaries on the harmful effects of drug abuse were screened at institutions including PM SHRI Higher Secondary School Shadipora, Higher Secondary School Hajin, Higher Secondary School PTL Gurez, Higher Secondary School Nowgam and several other schools across the district.
The screenings highlighted the physical, psychological and social consequences of drug abuse and its impact on health, families and society.
Students took part in discussions, listened to awareness talks by teachers and pledged to remain drug-free.
At Government Degree College Sumbal, an awareness talk and interactive session was organised under the Dosti Initiative.
The session sensitised students about the physical, psychological and social effects of substance abuse and emphasised the importance of positive peer influence and informed choices. Students also participated in discussions on drug-related concerns and their broader impact on society.
The district administration said the initiative aims to encourage students to adopt healthy lifestyles, report suspicious activities and act as ambassadors for a drug-free society.
