Baramulla, Aug 21: The Zamin Foundation, in collaboration with the Drug Control Department Baramulla, organised a significant awareness and felicitation program under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA).

A statement of the Zamin Foundation issued here said that the event brought together healthcare professionals, drug control authorities, and chemists’ associations from across north Kashmir to reinforce a united commitment towards building a drug-free society.

The programme began with opening remarks by Sheikh Idrees, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative opportunity and emphasized the importance of a joint front against the drug menace.

A short film on the objectives and spirit of NMBA in the context of Jammu & Kashmir was screened, setting a thoughtful tone for the proceedings. Dr Zaffer Ahmed, Assistant Drug Controller Baramulla, delivered the keynote address, lauding the Zamin Foundation and other stakeholders for their tireless work in raising awareness and preventing substance abuse. He underscored the importance of community participation in safeguarding youth.

Technical insights were shared by Dr Tajamul, Head of the Psychiatric Department, who elaborated on the nature of addiction and the role of a multi-disciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors.

He stressed the urgency of curbing the illegal sale of prescription drugs.

Adding to the concern, Feroze Ahmed Bhat, Drug Control Officer for Kupwara and Handwara, revealed that around 11 lakh tablets of Pregabalin were illegally sold in Kupwara in 2024, before the malpractice was busted with the help of a whistleblower.

He highlighted the importance of strict record-keeping by chemists to prevent misuse. The perspectives of the chemists’ fraternity were represented by their association leaders:

Muhammad Ashraf Ganai, President, Baramulla Chemists Association, thanked stakeholders for their role in combating the menace. Zahid Hussain Shah, President, Kanthbagh Chemists Association, urged parents to monitor children’s activities and habits to keep them away from addiction.

Altaf, President, Handwara Chemists Association, admitted past lapses in record-keeping but assured full compliance with new norms, including CCTV and monitoring software.

He shared a moving anecdote on the social costs of substance abuse.

On the occasion, Salim Wani, Programme Manager, Zamin Foundation, presented the ongoing initiatives of the foundation, with a special focus on substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation.

The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony, recognizing the contributions of Chemists and Druggists Associations from Baramulla, Kupwara, and Handwara for their ethical practices and commitment to public welfare.

The event marked a strong step forward in the fight against drug abuse, showcasing the synergy between government agencies, healthcare experts, civil society, and chemists in protecting the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Aug 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kupwara arrested four drug peddlers/smugglers in separate actions and recovered significant quantity of contraband substances from their possession.

A police spokesperson said that a police party during at a checkpoint established at Halpal road near Masjid Murshideen, intercepted two suspicious persons who tried to flee but were apprehended tactfully. During checking, heroin-like substance was recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Umair Ibn Fayaz, son of Fayaz Ahmad Mir, resident of Regipora; and Kashif-ul-Islam, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, resident of Batergam.

Similarly in another action, a police party from PS Lalpora during naka checking at Rangward, intercepted two suspicious persons. During checking, a considerable quantity of charas-like substance was recovered from their possession. They have been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Rehman Bhat, resident of Krusan; and Aabid Shafi Mir, son of Mohd Shafi, resident of Dharamwari.

The spokesperson said that all the accused have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody.

He added that cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been initiated.

Srinagar, Aug 21: The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police today organised a Union Territory level conference on anti-human trafficking in collaboration with Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Academy of Art Culture and Languages at Tagore Hall Srinagar.

The conference was attended by the senior police officials, government representatives, experts, NGO’s, legal experts and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies, challenges and collaborative measures to combat human trafficking.

Special DG Coordination PHQ, S.J.M. Gillani, who was the chief guest on the occasion, dwelled on the legal framework, network, prosecution and other critical areas concerning trafficking. He said that human trafficking intersects with other forms of exploitation because traffickers often use the same smuggling networks as those for drugs and arms. “What sets trafficking in persons apart is the human cost shattered lives, broken families and the long-lasting trauma inflicted on victims,” he noted. He stressed that the fight against this crime requires not just enforcement but also empathy and rehabilitation. However, he noted that conviction rates remain low, a trend that mirrors global challenges rooted in weak enforcement, procedural delays and corruption.

Gillani emphasized that prevention must be at the center of anti-trafficking strategies, particularly in border and conflict regions. “Educated, economically secure and rights-aware communities are less vulnerable to exploitation,” he said.

Highlighting the role of technology, he said advanced surveillance and data-driven interventions could strengthen the response to trafficking. “We all know, laws alone are not enough. It is the spirit of their implementation, the empathy of our enforcers and the awareness of our citizens that will truly turn the tide,” he emphasized.

He urged that the challenge must be approached not only with the rigor of officers but also with the compassion of human beings. “Together, through coordinated enforcement, community partnership and a holistic focus on human security, we can make a lasting difference,” he added.

He commended the Crime Branch of the J&K Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, various NGOs and all other stakeholders who made the event possible.

“Their commitment aligns with the Government of India’s comprehensive initiatives, such as the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, the strengthening of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across states and programs like Operation Muskan,” he said.

Additional Director General of Police & Director Fire & Emergency Services, Alok Kumar in his address underlined that human trafficking is closely linked to the worldwide phenomenon of black money. He observed that despite strong laws and international conventions, the crime continues to increase.

Stressing that combating trafficking must be a continuous process, he emphasized the importance of leveraging social media as a tool for awareness, involving local communities and sensitising people about the strategies traffickers use. He also highlighted the need for deterrence through exemplary punishment to discourage offenders.

Convenor, Just Rights for Children, Ravi Kant in his speech highlighted that traffickers often exploit gaps in the enforcement chain. He pointing out that while the Government of India is strengthening legal frameworks, the scale and networks involved make it difficult to arrest and prosecute high-level traffickers.

Ravi Kant called for a comprehensive approach that not only tightens laws but also ensures effective enforcement, stronger victim protection measures and collaboration between police, civil society, and international agencies.

He noted that Anti-Human Trafficking Units and law enforcement agencies already have the necessary powers and relevant laws to act effectively. “If we look beneath the surface, we see that trafficking is highly organised — but so too is the fight against it,” he said, commending the work being done by the Jammu & Kashmir Police in tackling this grave crime.

Resource person Rajesh Mani, a noted expert trainer (Human trafficking) shared his expertise on prevention, victim support and coordinated response mechanisms.

During his presentation, he said that human trafficking is a heinous and organised crime and highlighted best practices, challenges and the need for a multi-agency approach in effectively addressing human trafficking.

Earlier, IGP Crime Sujit Kumar in his welcome address said that we have to come together in this noble mission to fight human trafficking and urged upon the youth to benefit from the knowledge and awareness shared during the conference.

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