SHOPIAN, APRIL 18: As part of the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukht Jammu and Kashmir campaign, a grand district level awareness programme on drug abuse was conducted Saturday at Government Degree College Shopian.
Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, attended the event as Chief Guest.
The ADDC, as per an official statement, in his address, emphasized the critical role of parents, teachers, and society in protecting youth from drug addiction.
He called for a coordinated and proactive approach at the grassroots level, focusing on awareness, guidance, and early intervention.
The programme was attended by Principal GDC Shopian, Prof Tariq Ahmad Mir, civil society members, representatives of traders associations, vendors, drivers, ASHA workers, students, and officials from various departments.
CEO, Municipal Council Shopian, Suhail Ahmad, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the broader social importance of the campaign.
He stated that the fight against drug abuse must evolve beyond a government initiative into a people’s movement, requiring collective ownership and sustained public participation.
He emphasized that meaningful success can only be achieved when all sections of society work together in a coordinated manner.
Dr. Ishrat Jabeen, Clinical Physiologist, spoke on the concept of substance abuse, outlining its causes and adverse health implications.
She emphasized the need for awareness, early identification, and preventive interventions to reduce the growing risk of addiction, particularly among youth.
Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad, Psychologist, presented a detailed analysis of the psychological aspects of drug abuse.
He explained why individuals turn to drugs, discussed commonly abused substances and their classifications, and elaborated on the short term and long term effects on the human body and mind.
Through real life case examples and emotionally engaging narratives, he provided a stark insight into the consequences of addiction, reinforcing the urgency of timely intervention.
A short awareness film depicting the realities of drug abuse was screened during the programme, further sensitizing participants and strengthening the impact of the session.
Dy.SP Hqr Shopian, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, addressed the gathering from a law enforcement perspective. He highlighted ongoing efforts by police to curb drug trafficking and take strict action against peddlers.
He stressed the importance of public cooperation in reporting drug related activities and reiterated that community vigilance is essential to dismantle the supply chain.
It was also highlighted that GDC Shopian has taken several concrete measures including constitution of monitoring cell, installation of CCTV cameras within the college premises, regular organization of awareness programmes, pledge ceremonies, and student engagement initiatives to ensure continuous vigilance against drug abuse.
