‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ observed at Kupwara

KUPWARA, JUNE 26: To commemorate the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,’ the District Administration on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan Wednesday organized several events including awareness campaigns, rallies, cross country run, painting and quiz competitions across the district to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

A mega awareness programme ‘Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace’ was organized by District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Kupwara in collaboration with Education department Kupwara at Government Boys higher secondary School Kupwara which was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan.

At the outset, the DC administered the ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life’ pledge to the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a major issue which indeed is posing significant threats to societal well-being, breaking down the social fabric, leading to physical and mental health issues, straining the relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness. It is also resulting in financial problems, unemployment, and legal issues.

DC said that addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires a multifaceted approach including prevention, treatment, law enforcement and social support systems.

She further said that the District Administration has taken comprehensive steps in tackling the issue of drug abuse and launched several initiatives in order to bring back and support the victims so that they can live a normal life again.

She said that two Drug de-addiction centers are functioning at Kupwara and Handwara and a third one is being established at Tangdhar.

The DC emphasized that youths and students need to act as ambassadors against the Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in their own locality and institutions.

The event was attended by CEO Kupwara, Abdul Majeed, Principal GHSS Kupwara, Mehraj –u-Din Shah, members of DLSA and students and staff.

Earlier, the DC administered the pledge to the officers and officials of the DC office.

The Additional Deputy commissioner, Kupwara, Muhammad Rouf Rehman flagged-off a Rally which was carried out by the students and staff of Pahadi Boys and Girls Hostels Kupwara. Rally started from District Jail Kupwara, after passing through DSWO Kupwara, the rally successfully culminated at Rigipora Chowk. The participants including students and staff carried banners and placards and raised slogans against the menace of drugs.

Meanwhile, the School Education Department, RDD & PR, Health Department, Social Welfare Department and Police, and GMC Handwara organized a series of events across the district to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Awareness campaigns were organized in various schools, Panchayats and other government institutions where speakers disseminated the message that emphasized the understanding of the world drug problem and how better knowledge will foster greater co-operation for countering its impact on future generations.

Various activities were organized to observe the day i.e. Poster-Making, Slogan Writing, debates, seminars, cross country run, and quiz Competition were also organized which not only raised awareness but also mobilized communities to take concrete actions against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.