Kargil, June 26: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” was organized by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department in collaboration with District Administration Kargil.

The program began in the form of a rally by students from GGHSS and GHSS Boys Kargil, starting at Fatima Chowk and concluding at Auditorium Hall Kargil.

Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon was the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Suse; Assistant Director Social and Tribal Welfare Department, Tashi Dolma; Assistant Director Tourism, Rahmatullah Butt; ASP Kargil Mujeeb ur Rahman Butt; Account Officer of Social and Tribal Welfare, Mohd Hussain; Sub Inspector, Padma Thienlis; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Liyaqat Ali, and other district officers.

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CEC Kargil expressed gratitude to the Social and Tribal Welfare Department for organizing such a fruitful program. As a doctor with past experiences in the medical field, he emphasized the severe consequences of drug abuse and addressed new challenges related to various types of drug addiction in society.

The CEC appreciated Director Tashi Dolma for her serious approach to these issues and requested her to arrange training sessions at Bangalore De-Addiction Center so that similar initiatives could be implemented in Ladakh. He also urged Superintendent Mujeeb ur Rahman Butt to enhance efforts to combat drug transportation and increase patrolling in sensitive areas.

DC Shrikant Suse welcomed all esteemed guests and thanked CEC Kargil for accepting the invitation. He emphasized that drug abuse and addiction are sensitive issues, and rallies and awareness campaigns should not be occasional but continuous efforts until the UT is drug free. He stressed the need for a multipronged approach to tackle drug abuse.

DC Kargil highlighted the formation of district-level NCORD committee chaired by him, which holds monthly or bi-monthly meetings with district officials to address new challenges related to drug abuse in the district.

He warned that anti-social elements involved in drug-related crimes would face consequences and called upon parents, civil society, and religious organizations to take responsibility in tackling the drug menace.

Dr. Murtaza Ali, a psychiatrist, gave a detailed presentation on different types of drugs, factors influencing drug addiction, nicotine and tobacco substances, their carcinogenic effects, and ways to quit such addictions.

Sub Inspector Padma from Ladakh Police spoke on drug abuse, legal provisions like NDPS Act 1985 and COTPA Act 2003, and highlighted cases related to drug abuse and their consequences.

Director Tashi Dolma highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, including joint action plans with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on prevention of drug abuse, joint research with Ladakh University on substance use in Ladakh, and formation of Yato Clubs in schools as support networks.

They also conducted sensitization workshops for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and established special narco units in both districts of Ladakh.

During the session, prizes were distributed by CEC and DC to students for their exceptional paintings related to drug abuse, encouraging their creativity. The program concluded with all participants taking a pledge against drug abuse.