District-Level NCORD Committee meeting held at Poonch

• Stress laid on strengthening fight against drug abuse

POONCH: The District-level NCORD (Narco-Coordination) Committee meeting was held today at the DC Office, Poonch. Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma chaired the meeting attended by SSP Shoukat Hussain Butt, besides other functionaries from the district administration, police, health, education, revenue, social welfare, agriculture and other concerned departments.

The meeting undertook a detailed review of the measures being implemented to prevent drug abuse, curb the illegal drug trade and ensure effective coordination among all stakeholder departments. The officers presented their progress reports of respective departments and discussed the challenges being faced at the field level.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a united, sustained and multi-dimensional approach to eradicate the drug menace. He stressed upon the concerned departments to work in close coordination, strengthen enforcement against drug peddling and simultaneously focus on awareness, prevention, counselling and rehabilitation of persons affected by substance abuse.

The meeting underlined the importance of intensified awareness programmes, particularly among youth and students, community participation, early identification of vulnerable individuals and effective follow-up of de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts.

The Police Department was urged to maintain strict vigil against drug trafficking and strengthen intelligence-based action, while other departments were asked to contribute actively towards prevention, awareness and rehabilitation initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all concerned departments to work collectively towards making Poonch a drug-free district and protecting the younger generation from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.