To mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the District Administration Srinagar on Monday organized an Awareness Programme here at Government Degree College(GDC), Bemina under the Theme “People First: Stop Stigmatizing and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention”.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad was the Chief Guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the observance of this day is aimed to raise awareness about the threat that illicit drugs pose to the society at large.
He said the main focus of organizing todays event is to spread awareness among the masses particularly in youth and to draw attention of the participants about ill effects of drug abuse and measures required to achieve the goal of Drugs Free J&K.
The DC said that District Administration Srinagar has already launched an initiative “MISSION WAAPSI” in order to bring back and support the victims of drug abuse so that they can live a normal life again. He also underscored the stringent action being taken against the illicit trafficking of drugs and its peddlers.
He said the District Administration has adopted zero tolerance against drug peddling. He said as many as 35 drug Peddlers have been booked under PSA in the District.The DC also highlighted the measures taken by the District Administration in imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking in Srinagar.
While highlighting the need of conducting mass awareness programs and contribution of society at large in curbing the menace of substance/drug abuse, the DC urged the young participants to work actively and extend their support to Administration in containing the drug peddling and break the supply chain so that timely action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs is taken to make Srinagar a Drugs Free District. the DC also urged youth of the District to join hands in fight against drug abuse to safeguard our present and future generations
During his speech, the DC also mentioned of Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Centres established in the District to fight against drug menace and mitigate the sufferings of the persons struggling with addiction through proper counselling and rehabilitation measures.
He also said that the victims are also being provided treatment facilities at IMHANS, at SMHS and Kathi Darwaza Badamwari besides being taken care through Tele Counselling facilities from the Administration. Later, the DC distributed Mementos and Certificates of Appreciation among the students who have actively participated in anti-drug IEC activities.
Besides, Principal GDC, Bemina, Prof Nazir Ahmad Simnani, Programme Officer, ICDS, Zeenat Ara, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, the programme was attended by Staff and Students of the College, Officers of DSWO, Experts from Kashmir University and other concerned Departments.
Similarly, in order to highlight the role of Religious Scholars in eradication of drug abuse, a Capacity Building Workshop was organized by IMHANS (Drug De-Addiction Centre, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) at SMHS Hospital in collaboration with J&K Wakf Board here at IMHANS GMC, Srinagar.
The Workshop was attended by over 50 Religious Scholars including Imams from across the Valley. Addressing the workshop, the Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad who was the Chief Guest on the occasion said growing drug menace is a matter of great concern for one and all.
He called for taking collective efforts by all sections of the society in order to uproot the drug menace to save our youth and the whole society from its hazards effects.The DC sought support and cooperation from scholars in sensitizing people in general and youth in particular regarding ill effects of deadly menace of drugs.
He also appealed to the Ulemas to spread the message through Friday sermons that the consumption of drugs is not only against all religions but also has very harmful and dangerous effects on society.
The DC also observed that drug abuse not only ruins the life of a drug addict but also causes destruction of the entire family which is a major concern of every society at present. He said though the efforts by the Administration to control the drug abuse are underway, however, both Scholars and Parents have to play pivotal roles in curbing the menace.
The DC also highlighted the key points of the rehabilitation policy of the District Administration to bring back the drug victims to their families. He also underscored the deterrence measures taken under MISSION WAAPSI initiative by the District Administration Srinagar to break the supply chain and crush the drug peddling in the District.
Earlier, the experts including Dr. Yasir Rather spoke about drug abuse, systematic treatment, policies, and the available services for prevention of the issue.On the occasion, the CEO of the Waqf Board also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of Ulemas (Islamic scholars) in creating awareness about drug abuse. He assured that effective programs, targeted towards the population, will continue in collaboration with the Administration.