Shopian, May 5: Secretary, Information Technology Department and District Mentor of Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan for Shopian, Dr. Piyush Singla, on Monday chaired a grand anti-drug awareness camp under the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan at Mini Secretariat, Shopian.
During the visit, Dr. Singla inspected various stalls set up by different departments showcasing government schemes, skill development programmes, and awareness materials aimed at sensitizing participants about livelihood opportunities, self-employment initiatives, and skill-based programmes for youth.
He directed departments to strengthen efforts against drug abuse by improving access to welfare schemes, vocational training, counselling, and employment-oriented programmes. He emphasized integrating affected individuals into the mainstream through structured support systems.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singla appreciated the proactive role of the district administration in organizing the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan and highlighted the serious social and economic consequences of drug addiction. He called for a unified and sustained response, stating that the fight against drugs requires collective effort from government, society, educational institutions, and families.
He urged youth to adopt positive and productive paths and appealed to parents to guide and support their children with care and vigilance, stressing that the issue must be addressed with compassion, dignity, and collective responsibility.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, stated that sustained efforts are underway across the district under the Abhiyaan and urged the public to confidentially report cases of drug abuse for timely intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. He also highlighted the role of self-employment in recovery and reintegration into society.
Cultural performances were also held, with students from Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel Shopian, New Greenland Higher Secondary School Shopian, and Upper Primary School Safanagri presenting skits and awareness programmes highlighting the impact of drug abuse. A theme-based song titled “Say No to Drugs” by NIPS Zainapora further strengthened the campaign message.
Following the event, Dr. Singla chaired a review meeting with district officers at Mini Secretariat. He was briefed on district-wide activities, departmental initiatives, and involvement of stakeholders in the anti-drug drive.
He emphasized the crucial role of police in combating drug trafficking and sought details on enforcement actions including FIR registrations, demolition drives against properties of drug peddlers, and destruction of illegal poppy cultivation. He also stressed the involvement of Narcotics Control Bureau, Income Tax Department, and other agencies in strengthening enforcement.
Dr. Singla called for strict implementation of the action plan, enhanced media visibility, and stringent legal action against drug traffickers and peddlers.
The camp was attended by ADDC Shopian Dr. Nisar Ahmad Lone, ADC Shopian Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, GM DIC, SDM Zainapora, district officers, civil society members, students from various institutions, and other stakeholders.
