Sheeba Haji
Bandipora, Feb 14: The north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, known for Alim Adab and Aabh, has seen a rise in drug addiction with many people, especially youth, falling into addiction, data revealed here on Wednesday.
Despite this, a joint war has been launched against the menace with Police, Civil Administration and the local population on the same page over the issue and fighting at multiple fronts simultaneously. The district has a Drug De-Addiction Centre offering awareness, counselling, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and demand reduction services while the Police has also launched a massive fight against the drug peddling.
Dr. Umair Qyoom, Medical Officer, addiction treatment facility stated that there are 650 registered cases, with 300 on regular follow-up. Around 70% of cases are from Sopore, Bandipora, and areas like Ajas, Sumbal, Hajin, and Ashtanga.
“Also, there are 100 cases of Hepatitis-C, with 45 recoveries since 2022. Heroin is the main treatment provided, along with counselling,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that the district's drug addiction centre has emerged as a pivotal force in combating substance abuse, launching an extensive awareness campaign across both rural and urban areas over the past several months. “With a dedicated focus on raising consciousness about the perils of drug addiction, the centre's efforts have reverberated throughout the community, instilling a sense of vigilance and responsibility among residents,” he said.
“Through targeted initiatives and outreach programs, they have effectively disseminated crucial information on the detrimental effects of drugs, empowering individuals to make informed choices and seek assistance when needed. As a result, the centre has played a transformative role in fostering a culture of prevention and support, contributing significantly to the ongoing fight against drug abuse within the district,” said Umair.
Regarding the NDPS act, 89 cases were registered in 2023, leading to 113 arrests. Twelve persons were detained under PIT NDPS act.
Five properties were attached, and Rs 25 lac from 20 accounts were seized. In the current year, 7 cases were registered, with 8 persons arrested.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel Ul Rehman Rather emphasised that the youth have to take a lead role in the fight against drug addiction and assured every possible step to all such initiatives aiming to ensure a drug-free society.
The DC said that the menace of drug addiction has shaken the foundations of the society, and it is the responsibility of every single individual to stand up against this menace.
He further said the youth have to take a leading role as they are the real targets of this menace, and only they can take this fight heads on.
He also discussed various issues related to menace of drug addiction, areas of concern, age group of addicts, hot spots of drug peddling, abuse, besides, cultivation of illicit poppy and cannabis in the district.
For the past many months, the district Police organized numerous anti-drug awareness programme titled ‘Prevention of drug addiction’ under the banner of Nasha Mukht Abhiyan Diwas at various Police Stations.
As per SSP Bandipora, Lakshay Sharma, the programme aimed to generate awareness among vulnerable age groups about the effects of drug addiction and seek society's cooperation in eradicating social evils, particularly the menace of drugs.
Chairing officers highlighted the role of school and college management in identifying substance abusers and their role in remedial measures.
Deliberations on various aspects of drug addiction and preventive measures, especially in youth, were also made.
Participants pledged to never indulge in any kind of substance abuse and thanked the Bandipora Police for conducting the programme, fostering trust between police and youth.
A campaign was carried out for the destruction of Bung and Poppy cultivation in the district, involving Police, civil society, and the people of the district.
SSP Bandipora and other officers requested people to come forward for the destruction of Bung and Poppy cultivation. This programme will continue for the month of September as part of the Bharat Nasha Mukt programme.
In a bid to tackle drug addiction, a senior Police officer said that the Police in the district are utilising its vibrant sports culture, involving the public in sports events while addressing addiction issues. “Also, religious leaders are urged to discuss the drug problem in mosques, and families are encouraged to show empathy towards addicts, aiming to reintegrate them into society for a better life,” he said.
Bandipora Police emphasised their determination to eradicate the drug scourge, vowing to spare no one in the district and destroy its ecosystem, appealing for cooperation from the public to eradicate the menace.
