Convener News Desk
Gurez, Jan 30: In a rare and deeply symbolic outreach, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gurez Valley, Nazir Ahmad, on Friday addressed a large congregation at Jamia Masjid Dawar to sensitise people against the growing menace of drug abuse and online gaming and gambling addiction among youth.
Marking the first time a police officer addressed a Friday gathering in Valley, the SHO offered Friday prayers alongside the other residents. Prior to the sermon, the Imam of the mosque granted him time to convey a social message, reflecting a strong spirit of cooperation between religious leadership and civil administration.
Addressing the gathering, SHO Nazir Ahmad urged parents and community members to remain vigilant and maintain a close watch over their children and surroundings. He highlighted how online gaming and gambling platforms are increasingly trapping young minds, often acting as a gateway to financial distress, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
Emphasising the crucial role of families and society, the SHO appealed to parents to guide children responsibly, monitor their activities, and stay alert to behavioural changes. He also called upon the public to promptly report any suspicious activities, stressing that early community intervention can prevent larger social harm.
Nazir Ahmad underlined that safeguarding the future of Gurez requires collective responsibility and close cooperation between the police and the public to curb emerging social evils.
The initiative drew widespread appreciation from locals, who termed the Friday congregation an apt and impactful platform to discuss pressing social issues that have begun to engulf society. Residents said the SHO’s presence and message from the mosque pulpit sent a powerful signal of trust, outreach, and shared responsibility.
Locals hoped such community-centric initiatives would continue, strengthening the fight against drugs and online gambling while reinforcing social harmony in the valley.
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