Srinagar, June 26: On the eve of International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the Minister for Social Welfate, Sakina Itoo called on the youth of the state to “choose health not drugs”.
“The youth of paradise are being lost to drugs and it alarms us to know that drugs have percolated deep enough to engulf young children and girls also”.
Minister for social welfare was speaking at a function organised by Crime Branch of JK Police at Government Poly-Technique College, Gogji Bagh Srinagar today. The event started with the cycle race and later on a symposium on drug abuse and sketch-slogan competitions was also held in which many enthusiastic students representing various schools of Srinagar participated.
 “We have to fight this menace all-together and everyone has to shoulder the responsibility to safe guard our future” the minister said adding that the government is working to establish District level de-addiction- cum counseling centres to provide clinical support and treatment to the drug addicts to help them recover.
IG Crime, Raja Ajaz Ali in his address sought cooperation from the revenue department in the enforcement of preventive and punitive measures against poppy cultivators. “The conviction rate is less because there are too many procedural technicalities and often witnesses to the crime turn hostile”, he said.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo called drug abuse a sociological issue and stressed to create reasonable awareness towards the ill effects of drugs. “Traditionally religion, elders and teachers had a role and impact on the youngsters but now as their role in shaping the character of the youth is diminishing, the level of stress is increasing and this result in youth falling prey to wrong activities”.
Kakroo called for a multi pronged strategy including effective control on cultivation of illegal crops and alternative crops to farmers and revival of religious teachings and concepts.
Special Judge Anti-corruption, Sanjeev Gupta sought exemplary punishment for the officials who abet in such activities.
The students who performed well in the cycle race, symposium and sketch and slogan competitions received medals and prizes from the Chief Guest.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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