Administration, youth and civil society unite in decisive push to eliminate drug menace from the Valley
Inayat Qayoom
BARAMULLA, APRIL 21:
In a powerful show of unity and resolve, Baramulla on Tuesday witnessed a massive anti-drug relay rally (padyatra), as the district administration spearheaded an intensified campaign to combat the growing threat of substance abuse.
The rally, flagged off from Dak Bungalow Baramulla and culminating at Degree College Baramulla, saw overwhelming participation from students, officials, and members of civil society, transforming the streets into a strong platform of awareness and resistance against drugs.
Leading from the front, Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare Department and Mentor for the district, underscored that the fight against drugs has entered a critical phase requiring unwavering public cooperation.
Calling drug abuse a “serious societal challenge,” he stressed that enforcement measures alone are not enough and that collective vigilance, awareness, and community ownership are key to dismantling the network of addiction.
Participants carried banners and raised slogans, echoing a unified message of zero tolerance against drugs. The rally reflected a growing public consciousness and a shared determination to reclaim the future of the youth.
Officials reiterated that the administration is committed to a multi-pronged strategy—combining strict action against traffickers with sustained awareness campaigns and rehabilitation efforts—to ensure lasting impact.
The event concluded with a solemn pledge by participants to stand as the first line of defence against drug abuse, marking a significant step in Baramulla’s ongoing mission to build a drug-free society.