SHOPIAN, JULY 10: In a significant step towards combating the menace of drug abuse and promoting a healthier society, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the Sub-Divisional Administration Zainapora, today organised a comprehensive Drug De-addiction awareness programme at Government SMM Degree College, Zainapora, under the ongoing 100-Day anti-drug campaign being implemented across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment towards eradicating drug abuse and narcotics from society.
Addressing a large gathering of students, faculty members, healthcare professionals and government officials, he stated that the anti-drug campaign has been progressing vigorously across Sub-Division Zainapora over the past two-and-a-half months and has yielded encouraging results.
Highlighting the achievements registered during the campaign, SDM informed that illegal poppy cultivation has been reduced to zero across Sub-Division Zainapora, while nearly 28 kilometres of roadside wild cannabis growth has been identified and destroyed through sustained field operations and coordinated enforcement measures.
He emphasized that the campaign against narcotic cultivation and substance abuse would continue with renewed vigour under the guidance and support of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta.
The SDM further stated that individuals affected by substance abuse are being actively facilitated for treatment, counselling and rehabilitation to enable their reintegration into society as healthy, productive and responsible citizens. Calling upon the youth to become ambassadors of change, he urged them to remain vigilant, stay away from drugs and actively support the administration’s efforts to build a healthy, progressive and drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, G.A. Qureshi, Honorary Treasurer, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K, said that the programme had been organised as part of the Union Territory-wide anti-drug campaign being carried out under the directions of the Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir. He highlighted the humanitarian and voluntary role of the Indian Red Cross Society in promoting public awareness, social responsibility and community well-being.
He appealed to the younger generation to adopt a disciplined and healthy lifestyle and contribute towards the creation of a drug-free society.
Earlier, Prof. Shaista Masrat, Principal, Government SMM Degree College Zainapora, underscored the pivotal role of educational institutions in shaping responsible citizens through continuous awareness and preventive interventions. She appreciated the collective efforts of the administration, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and educational institutions in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse and encouraged students to actively participate in awareness and prevention initiatives.
The programme also featured expert sessions by medical professionals from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag and Community Health Centre (CHC) Zainapora. Dr. Afaq Hyder and Dr. Suhail Malik delivered detailed presentations on the health, social and psychological consequences of substance abuse, preventive measures, early identification of addiction and the importance of timely intervention, treatment and rehabilitation.
An interactive session was held during which students actively engaged with the experts and raised several questions relating to substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation. The queries were comprehensively addressed by the medical professionals. As part of the programme, Dr. Suhail Malik also conducted a practical demonstration on First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), highlighting the importance of emergency response skills in saving lives during critical situations.
A special feature of the programme was the screening of a pre-recorded virtual address of the Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, who highlighted the significance of the ongoing 100-Day anti-drug campaign and called for a united and sustained effort by the administration, educational institutions, civil society, parents and youth to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from Jammu & Kashmir. Participants watched the address with keen interest and reaffirmed their commitment towards building a drug-free society.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants collectively pledged to support the ongoing anti-drug campaign and contribute towards creating a safe, healthy and drug-free environment for future generations.
Among those present on the occasion were SDPO Zainapora, Tehsildar Zainapora, representatives and members of the Indian Red Cross Society, medical officers and healthcare professionals from GMC Anantnag and CHC Zainapora, officers and officials from various departments, faculty members and a large number of students.
