Bandipora, May 25(KNS): More than 3,000 students from various private schools in Bandipora on Sunday participated in a mega padyatra organised under the ‘J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The rally commenced from SK Stadium Bandipora, where students carrying placards and banners raised slogans against drug abuse and called for a drug-free society. Teachers, school management members and officials of private educational institutions also joined the march.
Chairman of the Private Schools Association Bandipora, Fayaz Ahmad, hailed the initiative launched by the Lieutenant Governor and termed it a “timely and much-needed campaign” to safeguard the younger generation from the menace of narcotics.
“Drug abuse has emerged as one of the biggest threats to society, particularly for the youth. The initiative taken by the Lieutenant Governor has created awareness at the grassroots level and encouraged students to become ambassadors against drugs,” Ahmad said.
“We are proud of our students for coming forward in such large numbers. Private schools will continue to support every effort aimed at protecting the future of our youth,” he added.
Several students who participated in the padyatra said the campaign had helped spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug addiction.
“We joined the rally to send a message that drugs destroy lives and families. Youth should stay away from addiction and focus on education and sports,” a student participant said.
Another student said collective efforts by society, parents and institutions were necessary to eliminate drug abuse from Jammu and Kashmir.
The participants later gathered at SK Stadium, where speakers highlighted the importance of awareness, counselling and community participation in tackling the drug menace.(KNS).