Social and Tribal Welfare Department in collaboration with the District Administration Kargil observed The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan themed, "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” on June 26.

The program began with a rally involving students from GGHSS and GHSS Boys Kargil, starting at Fatima Chowk and concluding at Auditorium Hall Kargil.

Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon expressed gratitude to the Social and Tribal Welfare Department for organizing the event. Drawing from his medical background, he emphasized the severe consequences of drug abuse and addressed new challenges related to various types of drug addiction in society. He appreciated Assistant Director Tashi Dolma's serious approach to these issues and requested her to arrange training sessions at the Bangalore De-Addiction Center so that similar initiatives could be implemented in Ladakh. He also urged ASP Mujeeb ur Rahman Butt to enhance efforts to combat drug transportation and increase patrolling in sensitive areas.

DC Shrikant Suse emphasized that drug abuse and addiction are sensitive issues that require continuous efforts, not just occasional rallies and awareness campaigns, until the UT is drug-free. He stressed the need for a multipronged approach to tackle drug abuse and highlighted the formation of a district-level NCORD committee, chaired by him, which holds monthly or bi-monthly meetings with district officials to address new challenges related to drug abuse.

DC Kargil warned that anti-social elements involved in drug-related crimes would face consequences and called upon parents, civil society, and religious organizations to take responsibility in tackling the drug menace.

Dr. Murtaza Ali, a psychiatrist, gave a detailed presentation on different types of drugs, factors influencing drug addiction, nicotine and tobacco substances, their carcinogenic effects, and ways to quit such addictions.

Sub Inspector Padma from Ladakh Police spoke on drug abuse, legal provisions like the NDPS Act 1985 and COTPA Act 2003, and highlighted cases related to drug abuse and their consequences.

Assistant Director Tashi Dolma highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, including joint action plans with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the prevention of drug abuse, joint research with Ladakh University on substance use in Ladakh, and the formation of Yato Clubs in schools as support networks. They also conducted sensitization workshops for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and established special narco units in both districts of Ladakh.

During the session, prizes were distributed by CEC and DC to students for their exceptional paintings related to drug abuse, encouraging their creativity. The program concluded with all participants taking a pledge against drug abuse.