Shadow Correspondent
Bandipora, MAY 30:
District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar today chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee to review the implementation of anti-drug measures and illicit drug trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, the SSP presented a detailed review of cases registered under the NDPS/PIT NDPS Act across different police stations in the district. He also briefed the meeting regarding attachment and freezing of properties of drug peddlers, demolition of illegal structures and action taken in commercial quantity cases. The Deputy Director Prosecution apprised the meeting about the status of NDPS cases, acquittals, bail applications and challenges filed before courts. Stress was laid on ensuring effective prosecution.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the DM stressed strict action against drug peddlers and directed the concerned authorities to expedite cancellation/Suspension of DL, Passport, contractor cards, Arms Licences and other documents of accused involved in narcotics-related offences. She also emphasized enhanced coordination among departments for sustained enforcement.
The meeting was informed that CCTV surveillance had been strengthened in various educational institutions and hotspot areas. The DM directed the Education Department and Principals of Government Degree Colleges to ensure installation of CCTV cameras in all schools, colleges and coaching centres, particularly in vulnerable and shadow areas.
The Education Department and Government Degree Colleges apprised the meeting about awareness and outreach programmes conducted under NMBA, including debates, seminars, essay competitions and student interaction programmes aimed at sensitizing youth against drug abuse.
The Rural Development Department (RDD) was directed to further intensify awareness activities at the grassroots level by conducting regular anti-drug programmes in wards and Panchayats across the district.
The Excise Departments informed the meeting about measures taken against illicit poppy cultivation and destruction drives conducted in different areas of the district.
The Assistant Drug Controller apprised the meeting regarding inspections conducted across medical shops and action taken against violations. The DM stressed strict implementation of computerized billing systems and installation of CCTV cameras in pharmacies and medical establishments to check misuse of scheduled drugs. The DM directed the ARTO and Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) to further intensify awareness programmes and strengthen enforcement measures in their respective sectors to support the anti-drug campaign.
The meeting also reviewed implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The DM directed concerned departments to conduct zonal-level meetings for effective implementation of COTPA and ensure strict monitoring around educational institutions and public places.
During the meeting, departments presented progress reports regarding the 100-day NMBA campaign, including awareness drives, mega rallies, “Dosti Discussions”, and IEC activities conducted across the district. The DM stressed coordinated efforts, continuous monitoring and proactive public participation to effectively combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district. Among others, the meeting was attended by Deputy District Election Officer Bandipora; ACP Bandipora; CMO Bandipora; CAO Bandipora; MS DH Bandipora; Chairperson Child Welfare Committee Bandipora; Tehsildar Bandipora; Medical Officer ATF Bandipora, besides other concerned officers, while other officers joined the meeting virtually.
