GANDERBAL: In a significant step towards strengthening the grassroots outreach of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA@100), the District Administration Ganderbal today convened a one-day sensitisation conference with Imams, religious leaders, Lumberdars and Chowkidars drawn from across the district at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat here.

The conference, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Ganderbal, Syed Faheem Bihaqi brought together frontline community voices to collectively address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse. 

Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Ganderbal, S. Salah-u-Din; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Nazir Ahmad, and other senior officers and officials of the district administration were also present on the occasion.

The deliberations centred on the alarming rise of drug abuse among the youth and the urgent need for society to respond in a united and proactive manner. Participants were reminded that the fight against narcotics is not the responsibility of the administration alone, it demands active engagement from every corner of the community, particularly from those who hold positions of trust and influence at the local level.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner underscored the indispensable role that religious leaders and village-level functionaries play in shaping public opinion and behaviour. He called upon the Imams to incorporate awareness messages in their Friday sermons and community gatherings, and urged Lumberdars and Chowkidars to serve as the eyes and ears of the administration at the village level in identifying and reporting drug-related activity. 

He emphasized that 100-Day NMBA must evolve from a government initiative into a genuine people's movement, and that its success depends on the collective will of every citizen.

The officers present also highlighted the critical importance of moral guidance, timely intervention and community vigilance in preventing young people from falling prey to substance abuse. It was stressed that early identification, family support and social accountability are among the most effective tools in combating this menace before it takes deeper root.

The participants responded with resolve, pledging their full support and active cooperation to the district administration in carrying the anti-drug message to every village, mosque and household in Ganderbal.

They acknowledged their responsibility as trusted community figures and committed to making their localities free from the influence of drugs and narcotics. The conference concluded with a collective pledge to work with unity, purpose and determination towards building a healthier, drug-free society in District Ganderbal.

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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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