SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday intensified anti-drug awareness and enforcement activities across several districts of Kashmir under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, organising rallies, awareness programmes, outreach campaigns and enforcement drives aimed at curbing substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
In Shopian, police conducted awareness programmes at Government Middle School Tulran Imamsahib, Upper Primary School Batamurran Wanpora, AMI School Diaroo and Holly Faith Model School Berthipora. Students and teaching staff were sensitised about the harmful effects of drug abuse, including its physical, psychological, social and legal consequences. Participants were encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and act as ambassadors against drug abuse in their communities.
An anti-drug rally was also organised at Zainapora in collaboration with the civil administration to spread awareness among the general public about the growing menace of narcotics and the collective responsibility to eradicate it.
In Handwara, police stepped up its anti-drug offensive through awareness drives, student outreach programmes and intensified search operations. Awareness sessions held in educational institutions and public spaces focused on sensitising students, youth and the general public about the dangers of substance abuse and the need for collective action against narcotics.
The programmes witnessed participation from students, teachers, civil society members and local residents, who appreciated the sustained efforts of Handwara Police in promoting preventive awareness.
Simultaneously, intensified search operations, naka checking, hotspot inspections and destruction of wild hemp were carried out at vulnerable locations to deter drug peddling and strengthen surveillance against anti-social elements involved in the narcotics trade.
In Awantipora, police organised awareness programmes at Hajad Public School, Government Middle School Nageenpora Tral, Government Middle School Renzipora, Government Higher Secondary School Hariparigam and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Khrew. Students and staff were sensitised about the harmful effects of drug addiction, tobacco consumption and the importance of maintaining a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Police also conducted inspections of shops selling cigarettes and tobacco products near educational institutions falling under Police Station Awantipora and Police Post Toll Plaza. Violators were fined on the spot under provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Additionally, checking of medical stores was carried out in the Aripal area to monitor the sale of regulated medicines and ensure compliance with legal provisions.
Meanwhile, in Sopore, police facilitated and supported a series of awareness programmes under the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. A cross-country race from MRF Chowk to Apex Public School Mazbugh Sopore was organised to spread the message of “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” witnessing enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students and faculty members carrying anti-drug placards.
An anti-drug rally was also organised from Tehsil Office Bomai to Goripora with participation from students of Boys Middle School Bomai and Eagle Public School Bomai, besides officials from the Education, Rural Development and Revenue Departments.
Further, awareness programmes were held at Yousfia English Medium School Dangiwacha and Brandub Rafiabad in collaboration with various departments, focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse, peer pressure, mental well-being and community participation in eradicating the drug menace.
In Ganderbal, police organised a series of awareness and preventive activities under the campaign. As part of the initiative, urine drug screening was conducted at Gund by Police Station Gund in collaboration with the medical team of PHC Gund to promote early detection and prevention of substance abuse.
A Nasha Mukt Abhiyan rally was also organised at Wakura jointly by the civil administration and Ganderbal Police, with participants carrying messages promoting a healthy and drug-free society.
Police reiterated its commitment to continue awareness campaigns, preventive measures and strict enforcement drives under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan to build a safer and healthier society.
