Drug Abuse Day observed -Joint mechanism to tackle drug addiction:

Srinagar/Jammu,June 26  – Jammu & Kashmir Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma has called for coordinated efforts to curb the menace of drug addiction, adding it was difficult for only few agencies to succeed in purging the society from drug addicts.

The Minister was speaking at a function, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (Crime Branch) in connection with the observance of International Anti- narcotics Day, here today.

Lauding the efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Police in this pursuit, the Minister said that Police has done a commendable job ranging from improving, Law & Order, containing crime rate to eradication of social evils. “We are proud of our force and acknowledge their good work done on ground level”.

Mr. Sharma appreciated the Crime Wing for organizing such type of awareness events stating that such informative programmes go a long way in bringing awakening among the general masses against drug abuse.

Mr. Sharma stressed the need for launching vigorous awareness campaign for eradicating menace of drug abuse from the society. He said that parents and teachers have great responsibility to inculcate moral education among the children, terming adolescent stage as most vulnerable for indulgence in such activities.

The Minister said that still lot required to be done in this direction and stressed for establishing a joint mechanism with the involvement of intelligentsia, NGOs, experts, media and above all educational institutions. He apprised about the steps taken by the Health Department for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

Maintaining that for petty monetary gains, the producers and dealers of drugs are not only spoiling the future of our younger generation but are also committing a great sin before almighty and mankind. He stressed upon the law enforcement agencies to deal with these elements sternly. He also stressed for augmenting counselling and rehabilitation centres for the sufferers of drug abuse.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police,. Kuldeep Khoda sought cooperation from all sections of the society to deal with this social problem subject. He threw light on the subject and apprised about the steps taken by the law enforcement agencies. He said that Police Department has established a counselling and rehabilitation centre which is operating very successfully, adding the Centre is providing, free treatment and guidance to the drug abuse sufferers. He suggested various solutions to stop further spread of this menace among the people.

Inspector General of Police (Crime), Mr. Sahai, Principal Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. Shahida Mir also spoke on the occasion and expressed their views on the subject.

A slogan writing competition was also held between the school children on the occasion.

Later the Minister distributes prizes among the students who secured first, second and third position in the slogan writing. Mr. Khoda also honoured the Minister with a memento.

Senior police officers, doctors, teachers and large number of school and college students were present on the occasion.

Like other parts of the country,Schools, government departments also celebrate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in different districts of J&K State today.

             International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in different corners of all districts with huge people’s participation.

            To commemorate the day, various programmes like holding of rallies, symposia, debates and awareness camps were organized by the Drug and Food Control organization, governmental educational institutions, Health department, District Red Cross society, Rotary Club and Chemist Association,

            A massive rally of students on ill-effects of drugs was flagged off by Assistant controller Drugs, at various places in which thousands of  students carrying placards, banners regarding dreaded effects of drugs abuse, took off from Government Schools and after passing through main bazaar, finally culminated at the school.

            A symposium on the topic “Drug Abuse: A Social Curse” was organized in the schools in which locals of the area also participated.

            Speaking on the occasion, the concern officers said that the world is observing this day as use of drugs have increased manifold and public needs to be informed about the ill-effects of drug  abuse. They said the day is also being observed in all district headquarters to disseminate the information about drug abuse and the problems that result from it.

Addressing gathering, Assistant Controller Drugs and Principals called upon the student community to launch a massive awareness campaign against drug abuse in their vicinity on sustained basis and said collective efforts be made to eliminate this monster of drugs before it swallows all, especially the young generation.

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