KUPWARA: In a powerful demonstration of unity and determination against the growing drug menace, Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) Kupwara in collaboration with District Administration today organised a Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyan Programme.
The programme was witnessed by officials from Civil, Army and Police administration including Brig Devwat Shaktawat, Dy. GOC 28 Infantry Division, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad, ACR Kupwara, Commanding Officer, 160 Infantry Battalion (TA), Dy. SP HQ, AC Drugs Kupwara, Chief Education Officer, DHO besides several officers from different departments along with Ex-servicemen, their families, Veer Naris, Councillors, Trade Members of Chemists & Druggists and Heads of Private Coaching Institutes and Hostels.
The programme commenced with a solemn pledge taking ceremony re-affirming commitment towards a drug free society. Speaking on the occasion, Col SS Raja, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, highlighted the collective responsibility of every stakeholder in combating the growing menace of drug abuse and stressed that the fight against drug menace is not merely an administrative responsibility but a larger social mission requiring vigilance, awareness and sustain public participation.
ACR, Kupwara while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the initiative taken by the Zila Sainik Welfare Office and highlighted the importance of sustained awareness, community participation and role of ex-servicemen including all stakeholders to effectively tackle the drug menace and emphasized to carry out such programmes in future at gross root levels including schools and also involvements of scholars and religious leaders.
Counsellors from the health department delivered insightful sessions on the harmful effects of substance abuse the importance of timely intervention and counselling. Representatives from the Druggists and Chemists community also shared their perspectives, emphasizing ethical practices and vigilance in preventing misuse of medicines.
Dr. Zaffar Ahmad, AC Drugs also spoke on this occasion underlining the crucial role of Chemists and Pharmacists in ensuring that controlled substances are not misused and in supporting the mission of drug free society.
Councillors representing private institutes also spoke on the need for guidance, mentorship and monitoring of youth as they remain one of the most vulnerable groups. Counsellors who are working at gross root level from civil administration including ex-servicemen in spreading awareness among the society for Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan were felicitated by Certificates and Mementos.
