Srinagar, July 21 — Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today underscored the urgent need for collective and sustained efforts to eradicate the growing menace of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. She was addressing a day-long seminar titled “Drug-Free Kashmir: A Practical Step Towards a Drug-Free Society” at the Government College of Education (GCOE), Srinagar.
In her keynote address, the Minister stressed that creating a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir is not just a policy objective, but an essential mission for safeguarding the health and future of upcoming generations. She called for a unified front involving community stakeholders, religious leaders, government officials, law enforcement agencies, and citizens to curb the rising threat of substance abuse, especially among the youth.
“The government alone cannot eliminate this societal threat. It demands the active involvement of families, civil society groups, and religious institutions,” she said. Emphasizing the importance of awareness and rehabilitation, Sakeena Itoo informed that drug de-addiction centres have been set up in various district headquarters to provide necessary support to affected individuals.
The Minister commended the organizers and college authorities for taking the initiative to highlight this critical societal issue, and encouraged the seminar to develop actionable strategies to combat drug addiction, which she said is “threatening the social and cultural fabric of Kashmir.”
The event witnessed vibrant cultural performances, dramatizing the emotional and societal toll of drug addiction on families and communities. The seminar saw enthusiastic participation from educators, students, youth leaders, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, and civil society representatives.
Prominent attendees included Joint Director Information Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari; Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges, Prof. Seema Naz; Principal of Government Women’s College Srinagar; Principal GCOE Srinagar, and senior officers from the district administration.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for all sectors of society to rise in solidarity against drug abuse and build a healthier, addiction-free Kashmir.
