In an ongoing effort to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among the youth through multi pronged strategy and creating awareness on New Criminal laws, District Administration Shopian  on Saturday organised an enlightening awareness programme for the general public at Government Degree College, Shopian.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The event aimed to educate the public and students about the dangers of drug abuse, prevention strategies, and appropriate responses in case of encountering drug-related situations alongwith popularising the new criminal laws.

While speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appealed for strengthening the collaborative approach of all stakeholders including government departments, agencies, communities and families in order to tackle the drug addiction among the vulnerable sections of the society.

DC said that drug addiction is a severe problem and has disastrous social and economic consequences.

To eradicate drug abuse, a combination of awareness, legal actions, rehabilitation measures and social support is essential, he said.

A collective effort from the Government, communities and individuals can help in creating a drug- free society, DC stated.

Deputy Commissioner also stressed for maintaining cleanliness around surroundings and called for public cooperation in eradicating the menace of non biodegradables.

Legal professionals while speaking said that rehabilitation should be prioritised over punishment for addicts and laws and regulations should be enforced strictly to control drug trafficking in the district.

Experts from the Police and legal professionals also delivered engaging lectures, empowering gathering with essential knowledge of new criminal laws in vogue.

Later, a rally was conducted which originated from GDC and passed through the bazaars of Shopian town and culminated at Clock Tower, Shopian with themes of Plastic Free Society and Drug Free Shopian.

On the occasion, other speakers highlighted the main features of New Criminal laws and deliberated on handling of non-bidegradable material also.

ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone, ADC, Dr .Zakir Hussain Fayaz,CEO, CMO, ACP, Tehsildar Shopian, College Faculty, youth and students of various educational institutions participated in the awareness and training programme along with other stakeholders and public.