SRINAGAR: Shehlat Foundation on Tuesday organised an anti-drug awareness programme titled “Nasha Mukt Kupwara” at Dak Bungalow, Handwara, with participants calling for a united community response to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and other social evils in the district.
The programme brought together social activists, educationists, poets, civil society representatives and members of the public, who pledged to work collectively towards building a drug-free society. Speakers urged people from all sections of society to join hands to curb the spread of narcotics while also addressing issues such as corruption, alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, tobacco consumption and other practices that, they said, were eroding the social fabric.
Addressing the gathering, Shehlat Foundation Chairman Mohammad Rafiq Lone said the organisation had been established to work in coordination with the administration, civil society and other organisations to promote a drug-free, pollution-free and corruption-free society. He said sustained public participation was essential to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Vice Chairman Ghulam Abbas (IIS), former Director of the Central Bureau of Communication for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, emphasised the need to change public attitudes through awareness, education and strong moral values, saying these were key to addressing drug addiction and related social challenges.
Chairman of Civil Society Handwara Ghulam Hassan Malik appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration and law enforcement agencies in eliminating drug abuse and corruption.
Renowned poet Nazir Ahmad Qureshi, popularly known as Ibn Shahbaaz, encouraged young people to choose education over addiction, urging them to “Say No to Drugs and Say Yes to Books.”
The programme also featured an anti-drug song written by Rafiq Tahir Kawcheki and performed by Waheed Jeelani, which received appreciation from participants for reinforcing the campaign’s message through music.
Chairman Human Rights Abdul Rashid Shah, a former Information Officer, stressed that every household should strive to become “Nasha Mukt”, saying a healthy society begins with responsible families and strong community values.
Teacher Farooq Ahmad Dar said eliminating drug abuse required coordinated efforts by parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and government institutions.
The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Irfan Rashid, followed by a Naat presented by Faisal Manzoor. The proceedings were conducted by Aziem Hafeez Mir.
The programme concluded with participants pledging to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen community participation to make Kupwara a drug-free district.
