Srinagar admn calls for collective efforts to end drug menace

ANN News Desk

Srinagar, March 2: Calling for joint and collective effort to end the drug menace in summer capital, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Aijaz Assad Wednesday appealed to people to be volunteers for its eradication from society.

Addressing media persons here, the Deputy Commissioner said that community participation is important to fight the menace effectively.

“Administration cannot do it alone. Society has to come forward. Community participation is a must,” he said.

He said that among various measures to tackle the challenge, the administration is establishing a digital platform wherein volunteers can register themselves to join the hands and play their role in eradication of the menace.

He appealed citizens, especially youth and respectable persons of Srinagar to come forward and be volunteers.

“The victims of drug abuse need attention for rehabilitation and work is afoot on providing them medical intervention. Besides, the victims will be provided skill development and benefits under various employment schemes so that they can start their life afresh.”

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Rakesh Balwal said that in 2021, 70 FIRs were registered in connection with the drug related incidents and 4 cases in the current year.

“24 persons have been arrested under NDPS Act and more than 100 people have been warned that they are under watch and cannot escape the writ of law,” he said, adding that a number of raids have been conducted at hotspots.

He further said that those indulging in drug peddling cannot escape and will be brought to justice under law.

He said that “big sharks” lure the youth into consuming drugs as well into this illegal trade. Police have a strong eye on these elements and is aware of the chain that will be broken shortly, he said adding that “Eighty to ninety percent of burglaries in Srinagar are to narcotic abuse.”