Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday called for intensifying the campaign against drug abuse and other social evils across the Union Territory, urging religious scholars, Imams and Khateebs to play a proactive role in safeguarding the younger generation from narcotics and harmful influences.

Chairing a special meeting of Maulanas, Muftis, Imams, Khateebs and Imam-o-Khateebs at the Waqf Central Office in Sonwar here, Andrabi reviewed the ongoing awareness initiatives and stressed the need for greater community participation in combating drug addiction.

According to a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), the meeting was attended by prominent religious scholars associated with the Waqf Board, besides Board members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem and Syed Mohammad Hussain Haqani, Special Officer Auqaf Dr Bashir Ahmad (JKAS), Executive Magistrate Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin (JKAS) and Administrator Jammu Aabid Hussain (JKAS).

Several Muftis, Imams and Khateebs associated with shrines, Jamia Masjids and religious institutions across the Jammu division also participated through video conferencing.

Addressing the gathering, Andrabi said the Waqf Board had launched its campaign against drug abuse and other social evils four years ago and that the initiative now required renewed efforts and wider public engagement.

"The Waqf Board began this campaign four years ago, and now we need to intensify it further. Imams and Khateebs are the true communicators of society, and people have faith in their words. We must strengthen this collective campaign against drugs and other social evils," she said.

Emphasising the responsibility of religious leaders in shaping society, Andrabi said character-building and personality development of young people should remain central to their efforts.

"Character-building and personality refinement of our youth must remain the central focus of our Imams and Khateebs," she said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Waqf Board chairperson said religious institutions and preachers could play an important role in promoting moral values, strengthening social consciousness and guiding young people towards responsible and constructive lives.

She called for sustained awareness campaigns through Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community outreach programmes to educate people about the harmful consequences of drug abuse.

Andrabi also urged religious leaders to encourage families and local communities to actively participate in preventing addiction and supporting vulnerable youth.

She stressed that the campaign should move beyond awareness programmes and translate into meaningful community engagement, with religious scholars taking an active role in counselling young people, strengthening family values and promoting a healthier social environment.

Among the prominent religious scholars who attended the meeting were Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi of Kaba Marg, Anantnag; Moulana Riyaz Ul Haq Noorabadi of Asari Sharief, Dargah Hazratbal; Moulana Amir Ud Din Shah, Mirwaiz of Charar-i-Sharief; Moulana Abdul Hamid Nayeemi, Imam-o-Khateeb of Zaldagar; Moulana Peer Hessain Qadri, Imam of Jamia Masjid Sonwar; and Moulana Syed Mudassir Geelani, Imam-o-Khateeb of Dastigeer Sahib (RA), Khanyar.

Other religious scholars from different districts also participated in the deliberations, while representatives of religious institutions across the Jammu division joined virtually and shared their views on strengthening the collective campaign against narcotics and social challenges.

The meeting reaffirmed the Waqf Board's commitment to working closely with religious scholars, religious institutions and community organisations to expand anti-drug awareness, promote social responsibility and encourage the positive development of youth across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)