Awareness Programme on Drug De-Addiction and Mobile Addiction Conducted in Jammu and Kashmir at Green Valley Educational Institute, Yaripora
Jammu & Kashmir, India, 22 November 2024: Transnational Intergovernmental Organization International Human Rights Commission โ IHRC, conducted a significant awareness program on drug de-addiction and mobile addiction at Green Valley Educational Institute, Yaripora, Jammu & Kashmir. The event garnered enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students, social workers, and community members, underscoring the collective responsibility to address these critical societal issues.
In his keynote address, Mohd Hussain Lone, IHRC Regional Coordinator, elaborated on the growing menace of drug addiction, delving into its sources, causes, and consequences. He cited alarming statistics, revealing that over 1.4 million individuals in Jammu and Kashmir, including a substantial number of young boys and girls, are affected by drug addiction. On a national level, the figures are even more staggering, with over 50 million individuals in India grappling with substance abuse, according to recent reports.
Highlighting the pivotal roles of parents, teachers, and civil society, Lone remarked: โDrug abuse is a national challenge, and it is imperative for all stakeholders to unite in raising awareness and implementing measures to eliminate this scourge.โ
Sandeep Sharma, Station House Officer (SHO) of Yaripora, lauded the initiative, emphasising the long-term benefits of such seminars. He called on the public to actively cooperate with the police in identifying individuals struggling with addiction to facilitate effective counselling and rehabilitation. He further stressed the necessity of public engagement in eradicating social evils, particularly drug abuse.
Zakir Ahmad, Naib Tehsildar of Yaripora, commended the active involvement of participants and underscored the importance of safeguarding the younger generation from the detrimental effects of drug abuse. He assured continued administrative support in addressing this pressing issue and urged society to adopt a proactive approach.
Mohd Hussain Bhat, IHRC Zonal Coordinator, highlighted the crucial role of parents in guiding and supervising their children. He urged families to remain vigilant regarding their children’s exposure to harmful influences, including excessive use of mobile phones and the internet.
Additional speakers, including Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) of Kulgam, and Mudasir Ahmad, Principal of Green Valley Educational Institute, reiterated the shared responsibilities of parents and teachers in fostering a nurturing environment for children. They also advocated for stringent action against drug peddlers and emphasised the importance of valuing life as a precious gift.
The organisers noted that the seminar’s primary objective was to educate the youth and the general public about the devastating consequences of drug abuse and mobile addiction. They described drug addiction as a “silent epidemic” threatening the future of Jammu and Kashmir and urged the youth to take a leadership role in spreading awareness.
In his concluding remarks, Mohd Hussain Lone, IHRC Regional Coordinator, expressed profound gratitude to the Honโble Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary General, Chairperson IHRC Group, for his unwavering support and the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the International Human Rights Commission.
The program concluded with a collective commitment to combat these social evils and promote a healthier, more conscious society.
Reported:
Mohmad Husain Loneย
SMM IHRC India Regional Volunteer Coordinator (RVC)
