Poonch, July 16, 2025: The Poonch Police, under the aegis of Police Station Gursai, organized an awareness tour and anti-drug rally to educate students and the community about the perils of drug abuse and the newly implemented criminal laws in India. The event, held on July 14, 2025, focused on promoting a drug-free society and creating awareness about the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
Students from local schools, along with teachers and community members, participated in the initiative, rallying under the powerful slogan, “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life!” The awareness tour at Police Station Gursai provided an interactive platform for students to learn about the legal framework of the new criminal laws and their role in ensuring justice and public safety. The BNS introduces provisions for new offenses like organized crime and terrorism, while the BNSS emphasizes victim-centric procedures, such as mandatory videography of crime scenes for heinous offenses and faster timelines for trials. The BSA modernizes evidence collection by recognizing electronic records as primary evidence.
The anti-drug rally aimed to sensitise participants about the devastating effects of drug addiction and encourage youth to resist substance abuse. Police officials highlighted the importance of collective action in achieving a drug-free Poonch, urging students to report suspicious activities and stay vigilant. The event also included a pledge-taking ceremony, where participants committed to fostering a healthier, drug-free society.
“This initiative is a step toward empowering our youth to make informed choices and understand the legal system that protects them,” said a senior official from Poonch Police. The program aligns with the broader Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a national campaign to eradicate drug abuse.The collaborative effort between Poonch Police, educational institutions, and the community underscores a united front against the drug menace and reinforces the importance of legal awareness in building a safer society.
