POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the action taken to control drug abuse and strengthen enforcement measures to keep check on narcotic trade in the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; PO ICDS Khalid Hussain Wafa; DFO (T), DYSP DAR Khaliq H. Choudhary; Chief Education Officer, Mukhtar; ARTO Basharat Mehmood; DSWO Khalil Ahmed Banday; Tehsildar Haveli Azhar Majid; Tehsildar Mandi, Ashfaq Hussain, Drug Inspector and Heads of Degree Colleges.  SDMs & Tehsildars of Surankote, Mendhar, Balakote and Mankote joined the meeting virtually.

During the meeting, detailed reports were presented by the SDMs and Tehsildars regarding the situation in their respective jurisdictions. They highlighted issues of drug abuse, peddling and addiction, along with the measures undertaken to control the menace. The Deputy Commissioner directed the education department to intensify awareness campaigns in schools and Colleges. The monitoring of shops near schools and colleges was also stressed to prevent the sale of drug-related items.

To ensure compliance and safety on roads, the DC instructed Tehsildars to set up nakas to check helmet usage and enforce ā€˜no helmet no fuel’ directive for two Wheeler riders. He further asked the Tehsildars to support the forest department in identifying and destroying cannabis in the district.

In another significant directive, the ARTO was asked to conduct a special testing drive to assess drivers, while the Drug Inspector and Tehsildars were instructed to thoroughly review CCTV footage from chemist shops and other relevant locations to detect any suspicious or illegal activity.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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