DC Bandipora chairs NCORD, COTPA meeting

BANDIPORA : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed on Tuesday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) Mechanism and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Prohibition Act (COTPA) at Conference Hall of Mini Secretariat, here.

Vice Chairperson District Development Council Kowsar Shafeeq was present on the occasion.

The meeting discussed in detail ways and means to curb the drug menace and the role of various stakeholders. It also discussed the alarming issue of drug addiction and abuse and strategies to tackle this issue.

On the occasion, the DC discussed various issues related to menace of drug addiction, areas of concern, age group of addicts, hot spots of drug peddling, abuse, besides, cultivation of illicit poppy and cannabis in the district. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to effectively address the drug problem.

Dr. Owais stressed on more intensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, improved access to addiction treatment and support services, and stronger regulation of the pharmaceutical shops to prevent the illegal distribution of banned drugs.

The DC also highlighted the role of various stakeholders in addressing the drug crisis, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and religious heads.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a unified approach in order to combat the drug menace effectively.

Dr. Owais said that we must work in coordination to address this issue and ensure that our communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent drug abuse and support those struggling with addiction.

He urged the participants to spread the message of “Say No to Drugs” in order to save youth from this menace.

SSP Bandipora, Lakshay Sharma on the occasion highlighted the role of parents and religious heads in preventing drug abuse among children and youth. He informed that last year, many culprits were booked under the related acts. He added that police administration, with the help of district administration, has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards drug abuse.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Nodal Officer Coordination Mohammad Ashraf, ASP Bandipora Sandeep Bhat, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Umar Shafi Pandit, DDC Members, BDCs, students of various institutions and other concerned.

Principals of Govt Degree Colleges, Sub Divisional Magistrates of Sumbal, and Gurez also attended the meeting via virtual mode.