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Kupwara Leads Massive Anti-Drug Movement Under 100-Day NMBA Campaign
“Massive Pad Yatras Witness Participation of Over 13,000 People Across Kupwara, Sogam, and Handwara; Education Sector Leads Grassroots Movement”
In a determined and large-scale effort to combat the growing menace of drug abuse, District Kupwara has launched an intensive 100-day special campaign under the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), marking a significant milestone in the public health and social reform initiatives.
The campaign, inaugurated as part of a special phase by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has rapidly transformed into a mass Jan-Abhiyan, bringing together administration, educational institutions, civil society, and the general public under a unified mission, to build a drug-free Kupwara.
Under the proactive and visionary leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse(IAS), the District Administration has devised a structured and comprehensive 100-day activity calendar, ensuring coordinated participation of all departments and stakeholders.
The campaign gained remarkable momentum on April 16, when a mega Pad Yatra was organized in Kupwara town, drawing participation from more than 7000 students, officials, and citizens. The rally was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, in the presence of prominent dignitaries including Hon’ble MLA Kupwara Mir Mohmad Fayaz, SSP Kupwara Altahir Geelani,ADDC Kupwara Mufti Fareed U Din, ADC Kupwara Mr Gulzar Ahmad, ACR Kupwara Peerzada Mumtaz and ACD Kupwara Mr Arshid Qadir and others .
The rally commenced from the Sports Stadium of Boys Model Higher Secondary School Kupwara, where a sea of enthusiastic participants assembled early in the morning, reflecting a rare sense of unity and shared purpose.
Carrying banners and placards with powerful anti-drug messages, participants marched through the main bus stand and key market areas, attracting widespread public attention. The Pad Yatra culminated at Regipora Bus Stand, turning the entire route into a corridor of awareness and public engagement.
A defining moment of the event was the administration of a collective anti-drug pledge, where thousands of participants vowed to abstain from drugs and actively contribute to spreading awareness in their communities.
The pledge symbolized not just participation but a deep-rooted commitment to societal transformation, reinforcing the vision of Nasha Mukt Kupwara and Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir.
Simultaneously, Sub-Division Sogam witnessed a similarly massive Pad Yatra, where thousands of students, teachers, and civil society members participated with equal enthusiasm.
This parallel event underscored the district administration’s commitment to ensuring that the campaign reaches every corner of Kupwara, including rural and remote areas, thereby strengthening grassroots awareness.
Continuing the momentum, another large-scale Pad Yatra was held on April 17 in Handwara, further amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.
The rally began from T-Junction Kargam and culminated at Government Degree College (GDC) Handwara, with participation exceeding 6000 individuals, including students, teachers, officers, and civil society members.
The event was graced by Mentor Secretary NMBA 100 Days and Hon’ble MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone Commissioner/Secretary School Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma,(IAS) and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS),SSP Handwara Sahil Sarangal IPS, Director Colleges Prof Dr Aijaz Bashir, ADC Handwara Javeed Naseem and Tehsildar Zeeshan Khan and former DDC Chairman Irfan Pandithpuri, along with senior officers from the civil and police administration.
Addressing the gathering at GDC Handwara, Mentor Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma(IAS) highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on youth and society, emphasizing that awareness, education, and community participation are key to eliminating this menace.
Hon’ble MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS) also called upon citizens to remain vigilant and actively support the campaign, stressing that the fight against drugs requires sustained and collective effort.
A standout feature of the campaign in Kupwara has been the exceptional involvement of the education sector, which has played a pivotal role in driving awareness and participation.
Notably, every student, staff member, and Head of Institution (HOI) across government and private schools in the district has been actively engaged in various campaign activities, including rallies, awareness drives, pledge ceremonies, Quiz, Debate, Discussions and community outreach programs.
Under the able and committed leadership of Chief Education Officer Kupwara Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Najar who is alos holding the charge of Principal District Institute of education and trainings Kupwara and Sainik School Manasbal (Ganderbal) the education department has ensured that the message of a drug-free society reaches every household through students, who are acting as powerful messengers of change.
Officials observed that the coordinated efforts of the education sector have significantly amplified the campaign’s impact, making it one of the most effective components of the initiative.
The active involvement of civil society members, trade unions, youth groups, and local organizations has further strengthened the campaign. Their participation reflects a growing awareness and willingness among the public to take collective responsibility in addressing the issue.
The campaign has successfully fostered a sense of community ownership, where individuals are not merely participants but active contributors to the cause.
Drug abuse continues to pose a serious threat to society, particularly affecting the youth. Experts warn that substance abuse leads to severe health complications, social disruption, and economic challenges, making it imperative to address the issue through sustained awareness and preventive measures.
The Kupwara initiative is being seen as a proactive and holistic approach, combining awareness, education, and community engagement to tackle the problem at its roots.
What sets this campaign apart is its transformation from a government initiative into a mass movement driven by the people. From students and teachers to officers and civil society members, every segment of society has embraced the mission with dedication.
The message emerging from Kupwara is clear, that the fight against drug abuse is not the responsibility of one institution, but a shared duty of every citizen.
Javeed Abdullah Writer is an Educator, columnist and a stage-Host. He can be reached at Javeedwrites378@gmail.com
