Shopian, May 05: Secretary, Information Technology Department and District Mentor of Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan (NMJKA) for Shopian on Tuesday chaired a grand anti-drug awareness camp under the 100 day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan at the Mini Secretariat, Shopian.
Dr. Piyush Singla inspected the multiple stalls set up by various departments showcasing government schemes, skill development programmes and awareness materials aimed at senitizing the participants about various livelihood, self employment schemes and other skill based initiatives available for youth.
During the visit, the departments were directed to strengthen efforts to combat the drug abuse by facilitating access to welfare schemes, vocational training, counselling and employment oriented programmes. Emphasis was laid on integrating affected individuals into the mainstream through structured support systems.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Piyush Singla appreciated the proactive role of the district administration in effective organisation of the 100 day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan.
He highlighted the serious social and economical consequences of drug addiction and called for a unified and sustained response. He emphasized that the fight against drug abuse cannot be undertaken by the government alone and requires collective efforts from the society, educational institutions and the families.
Dr. Piyush Singla encouraged the youth to adopt positive and productive paths and urged the parents to guide and support their children with care and vigilance. He stressed that the issue must be addressed with compassion, dignity and collective responsibility.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, in his inaugural address, stated that sustained efforts are underway across the district under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan. He urged the public to confidentially share information about the individuals affected by substance abuse to ensure timely intervention, treatment and rehabilitation. He highlighted the importance of promoting self employment opportunities as a means of recovery and reintegration into society.
Cultural performances formed an integral part of the programme with the students from Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel Shopian, New Greenland Higher Secondary School Shopian, and Upper Primary School Safanagri presented impactful performances. A skit depicting the harsh realities of drug abuse and its adverse effects on individuals and families received appreciation for its realistic portrayal and strong message of awareness and recovery.
Additionally, a theme based song titled “Say No to Drugs,” composed and presented by NIPS Zainapora, further reinforced the message of the campaign.
Following the awareness camp, Dr. Piyush Singla took a comprehensive review of the Abhiyaan with the district administration officers at Mini Secretariat.
During the review meeting, the Deputy Commissioner Shopian briefed the Secretary on the district-wide activities and department-wise measures taken to involve the local population and other stakeholders in the fight against drugs. He highlighted the proactive engagement of civil society, former PRI members, revenue officials, youth and other frontline functionaries in the district.
“Police have a very important role to play in the fight against drugs,” said Dr. Piyush Singla. He sought details of police action being undertaken against drug peddling and was briefed about the ongoing demolition drives against structures raised by accused drug peddlers, registration of FIRs and other measures being taken.
Poppy cultivation identification and destruction was also taken stock of by the Mentor and the role of Narcotics Control Bureau and Income Tax and other stakeholders was emphasised in the fight against drugs. He called for stringent enforcement by police and effective implementation of the police action plan and media visibility. He called for the toughest penal action against the drug peddling and trafficking in the district.
The camp was attended by ADDC Shopian, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Lone, ADC Shopian, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz,GM DIC,SDM Zianapora, district officers, members of civil society, and a large number of students from various educational institutions across the district along with public and other stakeholders.
