Bandipora launches 100-Day war on Drugs, DC leads district-wide coalition in zero tolerance push

BANDIPORA: District Administration Bandipora today launched a 100-Day Mission Mode campaign under Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan at Mini Secretariat Bandipora, with the formal roll-out of a detailed activity calendar, marking the commencement of an intensive district-wide anti-drug campaign.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, presided over the Calendar Roll-Out Ceremony, which witnessed wide participation from officers of civil administration, police, security forces, and representatives of various stakeholder groups including traders, transporters, chemists, petrol and LPG dealers, contractors, mining associations, fishermen, hoteliers, NGOs, Bar Association, religious leaders, retired police personnel, private schools, media, and students.

On the occasion, the DC administered a pledge to all participants, reaffirming their collective commitment towards eradicating the drug menace from the district. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle drug abuse through a combination of enforcement, awareness, and community participation. She stressed the need for identification and mapping of drug-prone areas for targeted interventions and called for stronger coordination with religious institutions to build a value-based preventive framework. She emphasized mass mobilisation across all sections of society to ensure collective ownership of the campaign.

The DC further announced the conduct of “Dosti Sessions” in schools to facilitate open dialogue with students, and “Maa Se Guftagu”, a weekly outreach programme involving mothers to be conducted through the ICDS Department. She also highlighted the development and dissemination of IEC material, including posters and pamphlets tailored for both youth and adults, and encouraged active stakeholder engagement by inviting suggestions to strengthen the campaign.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Zaffar Husson Shawl, highlighted that drug abuse is a serious social concern requiring coordinated efforts and active participation from all sections of society. Deputy District Election Officer presented an overview of the proposed activities, objectives, targets, and departmental responsibilities under the 100-day campaign framework.

The programme also witnessed intense and constructive deliberations among officers of the civil administration, police, security agencies, and stakeholder groups, wherein participants shared ground-level insights, challenges, and practical suggestions on curbing drug abuse. The discussions focused on identifying effective enforcement strategies, strengthening community-based interventions, enhancing awareness mechanisms, and ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholders to achieve tangible outcomes during the campaign period.

Speaking on the occasion, noted religious scholar Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi underscored the adverse impact of drug addiction on families and society and called for a collective moral response, emphasizing the role of parents and ethical upbringing in prevention. Additional Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, outlined the enforcement measures being undertaken, including strict action under relevant provisions of law and sustained efforts to dismantle drug networks.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also launched a dedicated Single-Point Contact Helpline (7006235244) to facilitate reporting of drug-related activities, seeking assistance for affected individuals, and accessing rehabilitation services. She emphasized that individuals affected by addiction will be supported through rehabilitation and livelihood schemes, while strict action will be taken against drug peddlers as per law.

The programme concluded with a collective resolve from all stakeholders to work in coordination with the District Administration towards making Bandipora a drug-free district.