Handwara, Apr 17: Braving persistent rains, thousands of people on Friday participated in a massive anti-drug rally in Handwara town of north Kashmir, calling for urgent action against substance abuse.
The rally, organised under the “Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan”, witnessed participation from students, local associations and officials from civil and police departments.
Carrying banners and placards reading “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life” and “Choose Health, Not Drugs”, participants marched through the town, raising slogans against drugs.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse said the campaign has been underway for the past several days and appreciated the large turnout despite inclement weather.
Addressing the gathering, the DC thanked participants for their commitment and stressed the need for sustained and joint efforts to eradicate the drug menace.
MLA Sajad Gani Lone said the fight against drugs requires collective action from all sections of society. He said drug abuse is not limited to individuals but is destroying entire families.
“Families, religious leaders and community members must take responsibility and actively work to curb the growing menace,” Lone said. He called upon preachers to raise awareness during prayers.
The rally was attended by senior officials, including the Commissioner Secretary, besides officers from the police and civil administration.
The event formed part of a 100-day special campaign launched under the “Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan” aimed at curbing drug abuse across the region—(KNO)
