KUPWARA, JUNE 26 (KNS) : Celebrating International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, District Administration Kupwara today organized a well-mannered and healthy awareness campaign across the district with involvement of stakeholders from all walks of life.

Mega events were held at Degree Colleges of Kupwara, Handwara, Sogam and Tangdar, where hundreds of students, youth clubs, eco clubs, transporters, sumo associations, truck associations, traders associations, employees, besides, PRIs participated in large numbers. The events were presided over by the senior officers of District Administration.

At Kupwara, the main event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir. 

In his address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and urged to abide by the pledge taken on this day throughout the world that we all ‘say no to drugs and yes to life’.  He said in the present day world drug trafficking and its consumption has expanded to an alarming situation and the youth is the first target of the culprits of drug trafficking. He made a trumpet call and appealed people in general and intelligentsia in particular to support the mass movement against the drug abuse and its illicit trafficking.  He said the initiative of District Administration against the drug abuse and its illicit trafficking has received a good response in every nook and corner of the district as all 4 Degree Colleges, 53 Higher Secondary Schools and 385 Panchayats are abuzz with the slogan of ‘Say No to Drugs’. He stressed the need for making this campaign a regular phenomenon and not confine it to the single day. 

On the occasion, various speakers also spoke and gave awareness to the people regarding the ill effects of the drugs on the society and the measures to curb it. 

Those who spoke on the occasion, include resource persons, preachers of religious institutions, Doctors, Officers, PRIs and senior citizens. 

A documentary film on drug addiction was displayed at the occasion and plege ceremony was held.

On the occasion, various youth icons and achievers of different fields were felicitated with mementos and rewards. 

Same mega events were also held at Degree Colleges of Handwara, Sogam and Tangdar which were respectively presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Handwara and concerned SDMs. 

Earlier, in the morning bike rallies were conducted at Kupwara, Handwara and Sogam.

The Deputy Commissioner Kupwara flagged off the bike rally from D.C Office Kupwara which went through Kupwara-Sopore National Highway up to Drugmulla, returned through Kupwara market and culminated at Degree College Kupwara, where the participants were felicitated.

The bikers were dressed white shirts with slogans  say ‘No to Drugs’.

        Awareness campaigns and rallies were also held in all 53 Higher Secondary schools of the district which was attended by students and teachers. Special lectures were delivered on the occasion to make the students aware about the ill effects of drug abuse. 

The main function of Education Department was held at Higher Secondary School, Kupwara,  where Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir distributed Tablets among 50 orphan students in presence of CEO, Abdul  Hameed  Fani and other officers. Symposium, Esay / painting competition were also conducted.  Students rallies were held who went around the Kupwara market and disseminated awareness regarding ill affects of drug abuse.

      Special Gram Sabhas were also conducted in all 385 panchayats of the Kupwara district which were attended by PRIs, parents, school teachers, senior citizens, Anganwari workers/ Helpers, youth clubs and awareness was generated with regard to ill effects of drugs and its illicit trafficking. Resolutions were passed by special Gram Sabhas and signature campaigns were carried and pledges were taken with the theme ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life’.

           Pamphlets and stickers were distributed among transporters at Sumo Stand Kupwara by ARTO  to generate awareness among drivers and transporters . The  print material and stickers were distributed across the district. 

    Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara,Khalid Jahangir complimented all the officers and field staff for making the awareness campaign a success. The departments which played the role include Education,  Social Welfare, RDD,Health, Colleges, Revenue, Information, Police, ICDS and Media.(KNS)