Associated News Bureau

SDPO Mendhar Touseef Ahmed Leads Drug Awareness Outreach at Chhajla, Calls for Community Cooperation

MANKOTE/CHHAJLA, POONCH, SEPTEMBER 23: A public outreach and awareness programme was organised at Chhajla Baba Peer Haider Shah Ziyrat in Mankote tehsil of Poonch district, with a large number of local residents, senior citizens and prominent community members participating. The programme focused on sensitising people, particularly the younger generation, about the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction. The participants also discussed the importance of public cooperation, communal harmony, peace, social responsibility and vigilance against unlawful and anti-militancy activities in the border area. Addressing the gathering, SDPO Mendhar Touseef Ahmed urged people, especially youth, to remain vigilant and stay away from drugs, unlawful activities and elements that could disturb peace and public order. He said tackling the drug menace requires coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, community organisations, NGOs, civil administration and law-enforcement agencies. The SDPO underlined the role of parents and teachers in identifying early warning signs among children and young people, including irregular school attendance, prolonged absence, sudden behavioural changes and association with harmful influences. He stressed that timely counselling, emotional support and proper guidance can help prevent substance abuse. The gathering also emphasised the need to channel the energy of youth towards education, sports, skill development, employment opportunities and other constructive activities. SHO Mendhar Inspector Mohd Bashir and In-Charge Chhajla Police Post Inspector Parveez Choudhary, along with police personnel and members of the local community, attended the programme. Senior citizens and prominent residents appreciated the police outreach initiative and assured cooperation with the police and civil administration in preventing drug-related activities and promoting awareness. The participants stressed that combating drug abuse requires sustained cooperation among families, educational institutions, social organisations, community leaders, NGOs, police and the administration. They also called for continued vigilance against drug trafficking and other unlawful activities and urged residents to report suspicious activities to the concerned authorities through appropriate channels. The programme concluded with an appeal to all sections of society to work collectively towards a drug-free, peaceful, harmonious and secure society. ANB