Convener News Desk
Bandipora, March 28: The District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib along with SSP Aijaz Ahmad Zargar, Saturday chaired a meeting of the District-Level NCORD Committee to review ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, the DM emphasized the need for focused and professional investigation in NDPS cases, directing concerned agencies to thoroughly examine both forward and backward linkages to dismantle entire drug networks.
She also stressed strict enforcement measures, including action on licences, vehicle registrations, passports, contractor cards and arms licences of offenders, besides ensuring attachment of properties under PIT NDPS provisions.
Highlighting the importance of surveillance, the DM directed all stakeholders to ensure optimum functionality and saturation of CCTV cameras in identified hotspot areas, colleges and schools to enhance monitoring and deterrence.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, briefed the meeting on recent measures taken by the police, including detentions under the PIT NDPS Act, intensified action in identified hotspots, and the registration of new cases.
The Deputy Director Prosecution apprised the meeting about the status of NDPS cases, including prosecutions, acquittals and bail matters. The DM underscored the need for capacity building and training of prosecutors and called for the establishment of video conferencing facilities at remote locations to facilitate examination of prosecution witnesses.
The Deputy DEO presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the progress achieved under IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities. The DM stressed the need for intensive and sustained IEC campaigns, mass awareness drives and active public participation, while also seeking feedback from participants to improve outreach strategies.
During the meeting, the Excise Department informed that awareness initiatives are being carried out through Friday sermons, and reported that a recent poppy cultivation survey found no evidence of illegal cultivation in the district. The Assistant Drug Controller briefed the meeting on inspections conducted, installation of CCTV cameras and computerized billing systems at medical establishments, and other enforcement measures.
On the occasion, the ARTO Bandipora was directed to ensure timely action against the driving licences of offenders and strict compliance with regulations. The Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Bandipora also shared details regarding registrations and ongoing treatment and rehabilitation services.
Reiterating the need for coordinated action, vigilant surveillance and continuous monitoring, the DM urged all departments to work in close synergy to effectively combat the drug menace and safeguard the youth of the district.
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