SRINAGAR: In a determined effort to combat the escalating drug menace across Jammu and Kashmir, the district administrations of Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Budgam have launched a comprehensive 100-day campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan. This concerted initiative aims to foster awareness, strengthen enforcement, promote rehabilitation, and involve communities in creating a drug-free society. The launches marked a significant milestone in the UT-wide drive, emphasizing the importance of collective action and sustained efforts to eradicate drug abuse.
Pulwama District’s Commitment to a Drug-Free Society
The Pulwama district took the lead in kicking off the campaign at the Circuit House Pulwama, with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Basharat Qayoom presiding over the event. The campaign emphasizes a three-pronged strategy focusing on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC), enforcement, and treatment & rehabilitation.
Dr. Qayoom underscored the vital role of community participation in the fight against drugs. He called on local leaders, religious figures, youth, social activists, and civil society to actively engage and spread awareness at the grassroots level. The DC also highlighted the importance of revitalizing youth clubs and strengthening counseling services within educational institutions. He directed officials to organize awareness programs for parents, emphasizing their role in early detection and monitoring of drug use among children.
Enforcement remains a key component of the campaign. The DC instructed law enforcement agencies to intensify drives against peddlers and illicit crop cultivation, ensuring strict action under the NDPS Act. He also flagged off an IEC van, aimed at disseminating awareness messages across rural and urban areas, and inaugurated a cricket match at the local sports stadium to promote positive engagement of youth.
The event saw the participation of police officials, sectoral officers, and community members, reflecting a collective resolve to tackle the menace. The district administration’s coordinated approach aims to ensure that the campaign’s message reaches every corner of Pulwama.
Shopian District’s Grassroots Engagement
Similarly, in Shopian, the campaign was inaugurated at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in a gathering that included MLA Zainapora, Deputy Commissioner Shishir Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, and other officials. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and community members, emphasizing the district’s commitment to youth empowerment and awareness.
MLA Ganie stressed the importance of community vigilance and personal responsibility in eliminating drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the government’s focus on coordination among various departments, including health, education, and social welfare, to ensure effective implementation of preventive measures. He urged youth to act as ambassadors of change and participate actively in awareness drives.
The police showcased their enforcement efforts, reiterating the importance of community cooperation in dismantling drug networks. A painting competition and sports activities were organized to promote healthy alternatives for youth and reinforce the campaign’s message.
Anantnag’s Holistic Approach
Anantnag district launched its 100-day campaign in a grand event at the DC Office Complex, with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat emphasizing that drug eradication is a collective responsibility. The event was attended by police officials, civil society members, and volunteers.
DC Bhat called for an integrated approach combining awareness, enforcement, and rehabilitation. He urged community leaders, religious figures, and youth organizations to actively participate, and emphasized the importance of early intervention, counseling, and privacy for victims. The district administration also initiated a pledge ceremony, reinforcing the commitment to a drug-free society.
SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure highlighted the police’s role in strict enforcement and community cooperation, urging citizens to report drug peddlers. The district also organized plantation drives and awareness sessions to promote environmental and social health.
Kulgam’s Focus on Community and Youth Engagement
Kulgam district’s launch saw Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam and SSP Anayat Ali Choudhary emphasizing a community-driven approach. The campaign featured a series of activities including a plantation drive, pad yatra, blood donation camp, and awareness sessions at the Mini-Secretariat.
DC Alam stressed the importance of community involvement, especially youth participation, in building a drug-free society. He encouraged youth to utilize government schemes for employment and livelihood to channel their energy positively. The SSP highlighted the significance of dismantling drug networks and supporting victims through rehabilitation centers.
Participants, including students and civil society members, shared innovative ideas to combat drug abuse, reflecting a proactive community engagement.
Budgam’s Unified Drive for a Drug-Free Future
In Budgam, the launch ceremony was held at the Drug De-Addiction Centre, inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan. The event emphasized the importance of a unified effort combining prevention, enforcement, and treatment. The DC called upon all stakeholders—parents, teachers, civil society, and religious leaders—to participate actively.
He highlighted that early intervention, counseling, and community-based support are crucial for successful rehabilitation. The police showcased their crackdown efforts, and a plantation drive was organized to symbolize environmental health. The DC also inspected the de-addiction center, emphasizing compassionate care and professional counseling.
SSP Budgam reiterated the police’s commitment to strict law enforcement and community cooperation, emphasizing that public support is essential for long-term success.
Across all districts, the launch events shared common themes: community participation, enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation. The officials underscored that the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility that requires sustained effort over the next 100 days and beyond.
The campaign aims to create a ripple effect, fostering awareness at the grassroots level, dismantling illegal networks, and providing support to victims. The involvement of youth, religious leaders, civil society, and local bodies is seen as pivotal to achieving a lasting impact.
The 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan is more than a campaign; it is a movement aimed at restoring the social fabric of the region. By integrating preventive education, strict enforcement, and rehabilitative support, the district administrations aim to set an example for sustainable change.
The success of this initiative depends on the active participation of every citizen and stakeholder. As the campaign progresses, it promises to foster a healthier, safer, and drug-free society, ensuring a brighter future for the youth and the community at large.