Beerwah (Budgam), Aug 06 (KNO): Hundreds of people, including students, traders, transporters, and government officials, on Thursday participated in a mega padyatra organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, to create awareness against drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the rally commenced from the Tehsil Office Beerwah and concluded at Arwah, with a message to youth to stay away from narcotics.
Speaking to media, social activist and youth leader Muzamil Mehmood, who organised the event said that, the campaign was part of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and received overwhelming public support.
"More than 500 students participated in today's pad yatra. We are thankful to the Sub-Divisional Administration, especially the SDM Beerwah, Tehsildar, BMO, BDO, SHO, traders, transporters and all stakeholders whose support made this awareness campaign successful," Mehmood said.
He said the rising drug menace demands collective action from every section of society, including parents, teachers, religious institutions, civil society organisations and the media.
"Drug abuse cannot be tackled by the administration alone. It requires active participation from every individual and institution to build a healthy and drug-free society," he said.
"Parents, teachers, religious institutions, traders, NGOs, social activists and the media all have an important role to play. Only through sustained awareness and collective responsibility can we protect our society from the menace of drugs," he added.
A participating student said such programmes play a vital role in creating awareness among youngsters.
"Awareness campaigns like this help students understand the ill-effects of drug addiction. More such programmes should be organised to protect the younger generation and save society from those growing menace," the student said—(KNO)