KUPWARA: District Magistrate (DM) Kupwara, Abhishek Sharma, along with SSP Kupwara, Sudhanshu Dhama, and SSP Handwara, Sajad Khaliq, chaired a comprehensive meeting of the District-Level Committee of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the anti-narcotics scenario and strengthen enforcement measures across the district.

The District Magistrate reviewed the prevailing ground situation, ongoing enforcement measures, and the status of rehabilitation facilities. Emphasizing a multi-pronged strategy, the DM directed all stakeholder departments to work in close coordination, focusing equally on strict enforcement, rehabilitation, and proactive community engagement to eradicate the drug menace.

To strengthen deterrence, the DM directed the Police Department to take stringent legal action against offenders involved in drug peddling. He also directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to initiate action for cancellation of driving licences of persons involved in drug-related cases, in accordance with the applicable rules. He further directed the R&B Department and the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) to examine allegations against government contractors allegedly linked to narcotics-related activities and initiate appropriate penal proceedings in accordance with the rules.

The Health Department, in coordination with the Police Department, was directed to inspect all de-addiction centres and take action against unauthorized facilities. The Assistant Drug Controller was instructed to monitor the supply and distribution of medicines to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.

Reviewing health and preventive measures, the DM directed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to procure testing kits for screening commercial drivers across the district to enhance screening measures across vulnerable cohorts of society . He also instructed the Controlling Officers to identify government employees struggling with substance addiction and facilitate their structured rehabilitation at certified de-addiction facilities.

To channel the energy of youth towards constructive activities, the Sub-Divisional Magistrates were directed to expedite the development of play fields, including volleyball courts, in every panchayat.

Educational institutions were also directed to install CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations and conduct mass awareness programmes. The Chief Education Officer (CEO) was instructed to identify eligible schools for declaration as ‘Drug-Free Schools’.

The DM reiterated that sustained administrative vigilance, coordinated departmental action, and active public participation are vital to safeguarding the youth and making Kupwara drug-free.

The meeting was attended by the ADC Handwara, ACR, SDMs, ACD, CMO, CEO, Assistant Drug Controller, ARTO, college principals, Tehsildars, and other senior civil and police officers.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  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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