Hopeful of curbing drug menace in district, says DC Dr Basharat Qayoom

PULWAMA: Pulwama district on Wednesday marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a series of impactful events at the Government Degree College for Boys, Pulwama.
Organized by the District Police Pulwama, in collaboration with the District Administration Pulwama and the National Youth Peace Foundation, the event witnessed significant public participation and a range of activities aimed at combating the drug menace.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, served as the chief guest, while SSP Pulwama P.D. Nitya was the guest of honor. The event drew a large audience, including officials, Bhat Musaddiq Reyaz, President of the National Youth for Peace Foundation, civil society members, and students from various educational institutions.
The day’s activities featured skits and cultural performances by students, highlighting the detrimental effects of drug abuse. Experts at the event stressed the severe impact of drugs and urged the public to avoid them for a better future.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Basharat Qayoom emphasized the critical need for mass mobilization and awareness to combat drug abuse. He underscored the pivotal role of all stakeholders in curbing substance abuse and detailed the initiatives undertaken by the District Administration Pulwama to support and rehabilitate victims, helping them reintegrate into normal life.
Dr. Qayoom encouraged young participants to actively engage in their schools and communities to help identify and track down drug peddlers. He reiterated that the observance of this day aims to raise awareness about the severe issues posed by illicit drugs to society, with a primary focus on spreading awareness among students.
SSP Pulwama P.D. Nitya emphasized the importance of parental care and education in preventing drug abuse and highlighted the significance of community intervention measures in mitigating the impact of substance abuse.
A pledge ceremony against drug abuse was held during the program, emphasizing the commitment to a drug-free community. Additionally, a ‘Drug-Free Pledge’ Signature Campaign was conducted, allowing participants to formally pledge their support for the cause.
The event concluded with a strong message of unity and proactive action against drug abuse, urging everyone to contribute to creating a drug-free society.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr. Basharat Qayoom said, “As we know, this day is observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and various programs are being organized in Pulwama like other parts of the country. The main event is being held at GDC Pulwama, with important stakeholders, including civil society, youth organizations, Auqaf members, officials from different departments, education department, and college students.”
Dr. Qayoom added that the event conveys the message that all stakeholders need to play their part in curbing this menace. “With the way enforcement, rehabilitation, treatment, and integration are progressing in Pulwama, I believe we will succeed in curbing this menace,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the important role of parents and religious leaders in checking the curse of drug abuse. “Parents need to keep a vigil on their children and inquire how they spend their pocket money to ensure they don’t fall prey,” he said. He reiterated the need to raise awareness against drug abuse in educational institutions with the involvement of parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
Bhat Musaddiq Reyaz, President of the National Youth for Peace Foundation, told Kashmir Reader that the event, organized by Pulwama Police in collaboration with the National Youth for Peace Foundation, saw participation from various sections of society. “Through this program, we aim to create awareness against drug abuse in society,” he said. He added that different cultural events were staged to convey the message that drug addiction can spoil lives and destroy families.

BILAL HABIB