Srinagar, May 08: Asserting that the responsibility of curbing drug peddling lies with the Home Department, Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday said that Health Department is actively working on treatment, counselling and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Talking to reporters here, Itoo said the government has been tirelessly working to tackle the growing drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and medical support for affected youth.
She said that action against drug peddlers is a “welcome step,” but stressed that the fight against narcotics requires a collective and balanced approach.
“The Home Department is responsible for stopping drug peddling, while treatment, counselling and rehabilitation come under the Health Department. We are working tirelessly on that front,” she said.
The minister appreciated the efforts of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in launching action against drug peddlers, but cautioned that only those genuinely involved in the illegal trade should be targeted.
“I appreciate the action being taken against drug peddlers, but it must be ensured that innocent people are not harassed or falsely implicated,” she said.
Itoo remarked that the government also need to remain vigilant if drugs are found anywhere and they must work to identify how and from where such substances are reaching.
“But if one individual has committed a mistake, the entire family should not become a victim,” she added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the alleged harassment incident at Amar Singh College, the minister termed the matter “extremely unfortunate,” especially as it occurred within an educational institution.
“We have zero tolerance for such incidents. The moment we received the complaint, we suspended both the principal and the assistant professor. An inquiry has been ordered and the report will be submitted within a week. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty,” Itoo said.
The controversy surfaced after a female student allegedly accused the Head of the Department of Media Studies of harassment, triggering protests within the college campus.
Authorities had earlier removed the HoD from all academic responsibilities pending inquiry. The college administration also constituted a proctorial inquiry committee and assigned interim charge of the department to another faculty member till completion of the investigation—(KNO)
