In south Kashmir’s Kulgam 260 FIRs registered last year in anti-drug campaign

Kulgam, Oct 04: Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, on Saturday said that the district administration has intensified its crackdown on narcotics, registering 260 FIRs last year and arresting a large number of individuals involved in drug-related activities.

The Deputy Commissioner was speaking at an awareness programme organised jointly by the office of the Chief Medical Officer and Government Degree College Kulgam to educate youth and the public about the harmful impact of substance abuse.

DC Athar Aamir said that a coordinated effort involving police, civil administration and the community has been launched to control the spread of drugs in Kulgam. “Last year alone, 260 FIRs were registered against those involved in drug trafficking and related offences. Many offenders have been arrested, and legal action has been taken to bring them to justice,” he said.

He added that the district administration, in collaboration with Kulgam Police, has achieved significant success in identifying and prosecuting offenders. “We are maintaining full coordination between police, civil departments and local bodies to keep Kulgam safe and drug-free,” he said, adding that the support of the public has been a crucial factor in sustaining this campaign.

The Deputy Commissioner also mentioned that one drug peddler was recently sentenced to twelve years imprisonment by a local court in Kulgam, underscoring the administration’s commitment to enforcing strict legal measures against those found guilty.

Former Lieutenant Governor’s Advisor Khursheed Ahmad Ganaie, who attended the programme as a special guest, told reporters that the growing drug menace poses one of the biggest challenges for the government and society in Jammu and Kashmir. “The fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the administration or the police; it requires active involvement of parents, teachers, religious leaders, and civil society. It’s a collective battle,” he said.

Ganaie appreciated the efforts being made by the district administration and the education sector in spreading awareness among students. “Such programmes are vital to sensitize the younger generation about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of healthy living,” he said.

The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Waqar Ahmad, Principal of Degree College Kulgam, Chief Medical Officer, several doctors, senior citizens, academicians, and a large number of students. Speakers highlighted the need for community engagement, timely counselling, and rehabilitation of affected youth.

Doctors participating in the programme discussed the medical and psychological effects of drug addiction, urging parents to maintain open communication with their children and seek professional help in case of early signs of substance use.

DC Athar Aamir reiterated that the administration will continue to strengthen its anti-drug operations through awareness, enforcement and rehabilitation. “Our aim is not only to punish offenders but to save lives and protect the future of our youth. Every school, college, and mohalla should become part of this fight,” he said.

Locals present at the event expressed appreciation for the district administration’s initiatives and urged for more regular awareness drives at the grassroots level.

The Kulgam administration has also announced that special awareness campaigns will be launched in educational institutions, villages, and marketplaces in the coming weeks to ensure greater community participation in eradicating the drug problem. [KNT]