Bandipora, April 18: The District Administration Bandipora on Saturday launched a district-wide “Dosti Discussion” series across schools under the 100-day campaign of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, aimed at addressing drug abuse among youth through peer engagement and community participation.
An official spokesperson said the initiative began at Higher Secondary School Aragam, where students, parents, and local residents participated in an interactive session focused on the role of peer groups in preventing substance abuse. Officials said similar discussions will be held across all High and Higher Secondary Schools in the district during the campaign period.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, administered an anti-drug pledge and engaged in an open interaction with participants. She urged the community to treat drug abuse as a collective concern and called for coordinated efforts involving families, schools, and local institutions.
“The time for action has come,” the Deputy Commissioner said, emphasising that substance abuse requires a unified response from all sections of society. She encouraged residents to report drug-related activities and seek assistance for affected individuals, while assuring administrative support.
The programme also highlighted preventive measures, including greater involvement of youth in sports, libraries, and co-curricular activities. Officials referred to initiatives such as Mission YUVA as avenues to engage young people constructively and reduce vulnerability to substance abuse.
Participants discussed the importance of parental involvement and early intervention in identifying behavioural changes among children. Authorities also called for wider awareness through display of anti-drug messages at public places, including schools and religious institutions.
Principal of the host institution, Mohammad Syed Mir, described the event as a significant step towards building a drug-free community. Attendees expressed support for the initiative and committed to participating in future outreach activities.
Officials reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards drug peddling, stating that enforcement measures will continue alongside awareness campaigns. The “Dosti Discussion” series forms part of a broader information, education, and communication outreach planned from April 15 to July 23, 2026, covering all schools in the district.
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