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Kupwara : As part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara organised a comprehensive legal awareness programme on 25th June 2026 at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kupwara. The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness among students regarding the ill effects of drug abuse, the legal framework governing narcotic offences, preventive measures, rehabilitation facilities, and the role of society in combating the menace of substance abuse.
The programme was attended by the teaching staff of the institution, a large number of students, and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Kupwara, who actively participated in the awareness session.
The programme commenced with an introduction highlighting the increasing threat posed by drug addiction, particularly among the youth, and emphasized that awareness, timely intervention, family support, and legal assistance are essential to eradicate the menace from society.
Speaking on the occasion, Adv. Tawseef Raja, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), delivered an elaborate lecture on the legal aspects of drug abuse. He explained the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), stating that the Act provides stringent punishment for the illegal possession, consumption, trafficking, cultivation, manufacture, and transportation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. He elaborated upon the distinction between offences involving small quantity, intermediate quantity, and commercial quantity of narcotic substances and informed the participants that the punishment varies depending upon the nature and quantity of the contraband involved.
He further sensitised the students about the severe legal consequences of drug-related offences, including imprisonment, monetary penalties, and the long-term impact on education, employment, and social life. Stressing the importance of prevention over punishment, he urged students to stay away from peer pressure, avoid experimenting with intoxicating substances, and immediately seek help whenever they notice signs of addiction among friends or family members. He also informed the participants that free legal aid is available to eligible persons through the District Legal Services Authority and encouraged them to approach the Legal Services Institutions whenever legal assistance or guidance is required.
Addressing the gathering, Adv. Kounsar Nazir, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), spoke extensively on the physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of drug addiction. She explained that substance abuse not only destroys the health and future of an individual but also adversely affects families, educational institutions, workplaces, and society at large. She highlighted that addiction is a serious social and public health concern requiring timely counselling, rehabilitation, medical treatment, and community support.
She emphasised that individuals suffering from addiction should be encouraged to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation rather than being subjected to social stigma. She informed the participants about the availability of rehabilitation centres and government initiatives for treatment and recovery. She further advised the students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, participate in sports and constructive activities, remain vigilant against anti-social elements involved in drug trafficking, and immediately report any suspicious drug-related activities to the concerned authorities. She also reiterated that legal aid services are available free of cost for eligible persons and that the Legal Services Authorities remain committed to protecting the legal rights of vulnerable sections of society.
Both the resource persons interacted with the students by addressing their queries regarding drug abuse, legal provisions, rehabilitation mechanisms, and preventive strategies. The interactive session witnessed enthusiastic participation from the students, teaching faculty, and PLVs, reflecting their commitment towards building a drug-free and healthy society.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to remain vigilant against drug abuse, spread awareness within their communities, and work together to realise the vision of a healthy, responsible, and drug-free society. The District Legal Services Authority, Kupwara reaffirmed its commitment to organising such awareness programmes regularly for promoting legal literacy, social responsibility, and public welfare.
