Collective action essential to combat menace of substance abuse among youth: SSP Reasi

Jammu, June 15: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Mukund Tibrewal has emphasised the urgent need for collective action to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among youth.

Tibrewal, while addressing the gathering in an awareness programme against drug menace at Gen Zorawar Singh Memorial auditorium in Reasi, highlighted that such initiatives played a vital role in sensitising society and encouraging community participation in safeguarding the future of young generations.

The programme was organised by the District Police Reasi in collaboration with Team Jammu, Vaishno Devi Youth Association and several other social organisations on June 14.

Demonstrating a unified commitment to combat drug abuse and be part of ongoing 100 day long “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Mahaabhiyan” initiated by the Lieutenant Governor J&K, Manoj Sinha, the District Reasi Police, Team Jammu and other organisations involving senior citizens and youth vowed to crush drug mafia and save the future of youth.

A heartrending skit by young members of Nav Durga Kala Manch, headed by Shaazi Khan, associated with Team Jammu, displayed how youth were dying and moving towards darkness after getting trapped in clutches of drug syndicates.

On the occasion, several youth came forward and provided vital information about suspected activities of drug peddlers in Reasi as well as in Katra town.

SSP Reasi, in his address, stated that while the Police was actively carrying out enforcement measures against drug trafficking and abuse, the role of parents and guardians remained equally crucial. He appealed to them to remain vigilant about their children’s daily activities, behavioural patterns, and social circles. He emphasised that timely supervision, open communication and a supportive family environment could serve as effective safeguards against drug addiction, which posed a serious threat to both individual well-being and society at large. He further urged all stakeholders to work collectively in fostering a safe, healthy, and drug-free society.

Chairman Team Jammu and spokesperson, J&K BJP, Zorawar Singh Jamwal, appreciated the proactive involvement of the public and emphasised the need for sustained community vigilance to curb drug-related activities. He highlighted that the police department was taking stringent measures to dismantle drug networks and appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing timely information.

He further stressed that public participation was crucial in ensuring the success of the “drug-free J&K” campaign.

Zorawar Singh Jamwal also expressed concern over the increasing inflow of narcotics into border areas through drone activities by Pakistan from across the border. He stated that such tactics posed a serious threat to the social fabric and security of the region. He called upon residents to remain vigilant, immediately report any suspicious movements or objects to the police and avoid handling unknown items.

Emphasizing the role of families and society, he urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to guide the youth towards positive and constructive activities. He further appealed for a united front against drug abuse, stating that only collective awareness, responsibility, and timely action can effectively curb this growing menace.

Youth representatives including social activists Vijay Paroch and Raghav Kesar also voiced their strong support for the campaign.

DySP, DAR, Sarabjit Singh presented vote of thanks while SP Katra, Kameshwar Puri; ASP, Reasi, Iftekhar Ahmed and SHO, Reasi, Inspector Khayatiman Khajuria were among other prominent dignitaries present on the occasion.