Srinagar, Apr 17 (KINS): Police across several districts of Kashmir on Friday intensified awareness and enforcement activities under the 100-day “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan”, with major programmes held in Shopian, Budgam, Sopore and Ganderbal to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
According to the news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) in Shopian, police launched a sticker campaign under the guidance of the Senior Superintendent of Police. The drive began from the Clock Tower and saw awareness stickers carrying messages such as “Say No to Drugs” pasted on vehicles and at prominent public places. Senior police officers, senior citizens and members of civil society participated in the campaign, symbolising a united stand against substance abuse.
Police said the campaign was aimed at sensitising people, especially the youth, about the harmful effects of narcotics and encouraging them to stay away from drugs. Citizens were also urged to report any drug-related activity to the nearest police station or through police helpline numbers, with assurance that the identity of informants would remain confidential.
Meanwhile, police in Budgam organised village-level Police Community Partnership Group meetings at Sonpah, Khag and Checkmarg to strengthen coordination between the police and the public in tackling the drug menace. Officers highlighted the growing problem of substance abuse among youth and stressed the need for collective efforts to curb it.
As part of the campaign in Budgam, pledge-taking ceremonies were also organised at Government Degree College Khansahib and various higher secondary schools in Khansahib, where students, faculty and staff pledged to work towards a drug-free society.
In Sopore, police intensified anti-drug awareness drives in collaboration with the Education and Rural Development Departments. Programmes were held in Behrampora, Nadihal, Chankhan, Wagub and Bomai, with active participation from students and local residents. An anti-drug rally was also organised to reinforce public resolve against narcotics.
Police also conducted inspections of drug stores and medical shops in Sopore to ensure compliance with norms and prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. Officials said awareness and strict enforcement would continue simultaneously to tackle the problem at both social and legal levels.
Similarly, police in Ganderbal intensified enforcement measures by carrying out surprise checks of vehicles and individuals near Degree College Ganderbal and the campus of Central University of Kashmir. The checks were aimed at preventing drug peddling and substance abuse near educational institutions.
A special drive was also launched in Ganderbal against the sale of tobacco products near schools and colleges, while awareness programmes were held in local markets to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and tobacco.
Police across all four districts reiterated their commitment to continue awareness campaigns, community outreach and strict action against drug peddlers under the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan” to ensure a safer and healthier society. (KINS)
