Baramulla, Jun 3: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh on Wednesday said that drug addiction would strip individuals of everything they value in life, including family, career, health, dignity and future prospects.

Addressing a gathering during a day-long seminar on “Nasha Mukht J&K” at Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla, themed “Substance Abuse Among Youth: Legal Implications and Mental Health Consequences – Exploring Prevention, Intervention and Community Responsibility,” SSP Baramulla said the fight against drugs was a battle of self-control and personal responsibility.

“Everything you cherish will be taken away from you if you get into drugs. The substance abuse offers only temporary pleasure but leaves behind long-term destruction,” SSP Baramulla said. Addressing to young students, he said today’s youth face uncertainty regarding careers, employment and identity, making them vulnerable to harmful influences. “True strength lies not in physical power but in impulse control which is the ability to resist temptations and delay gratification,” he said. “Drugs are nothing but a moment of pleasure or a few hours of pleasure. If you can delay gratification and control your impulses, you have already won the game of life,” he added.

SSP Baramulla cautioned students that addiction not only destroys health and relationships but also permanently damages professional opportunities.

He warned that involvement in drug-related offences, including possession, transportation or sheltering those involved in narcotics trade, could result in criminal prosecution and adversely affect future employment prospects.

“A criminal record can follow an individual for life. It can prevent you from securing government jobs and increasingly affect opportunities in the private sector as well,” he added.

SSP Gurinderpal Singh further highlighted the legal consequences under anti-narcotics laws and said even possession of small quantities of drugs constitutes a criminal offence. He urged students not to assist friends involved in substance abuse or narcotics trafficking and instead encourage them to seek help. “True loyalty is not hiding a friend’s mistakes but helping him overcome them. If your friend is involved in drugs, persuade him to seek treatment and inform family members or authorities when necessary,” he said.

SSP Baramulla also linked the drug trade to broader security concerns, claiming that profits generated through narcotics trafficking contribute to activities aimed at destabilising society.He further urged young people to view the anti-drug campaign as a personal struggle for their future happiness, career and well-being. “You all should reject substance abuse and make responsible choices,” he said. Staff Secretary GDC Baramulla, Prof Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo and Public Prosecutor NCB Srinagar, Aftab Jeelani also spoke at the occasion and urged the students to stay away from substance abuse.

Handwara, Jun 3: Nearly after four decades, heartwarming scenes of brotherhood and communal harmony were witnessed at Government Higher Secondary School Wadipora as Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims of the 1982 batch of the same school reunited during an alumni meet held in Wadipora area of Handwara on Tuesday.

The meet brought together former classmates from different parts of the country and abroad, giving them the opportunity to revive their cherished memories of their school days and reaffirming the deep social and cultural bonds that Kashmir is known for. On the occasion one of the organisers, Pir Nisar Ahmad, senior Trade Union Leader, said that the programme was organised with an aim to convey a message of unity and brotherhood.

“Our aim was to give a message that Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits are one. I am delighted to see that several of our Pandit friends from the 1982 batch travelled from different parts of the country to attend this reunion. We are grateful to them for accepting our invitation,” he said. Recalling the past, Nisar said that around 44 years ago they would study and play in the same school. “Later, due to unfavourable circumstances, we could not contact each other and I am hopeful that this initiative will reunite us and strengthen our bond further,” he added.

Another local Abdul Ahad Kashmiri described Kashmiri Pandits as an integral part of Kashmir, saying that their contribution to education, culture and society remains invaluable. “Many of us were taught by Pandit teachers and through this programme, we wanted to give a positive message of coexistence and mutual respect,” he added. Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara, Professor Dr GM Bhat who also hails from the same village termed the reunion significant. He said that such initiatives could help create an atmosphere conducive to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits. “Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits is incomplete and I hope today’s programme will certainly contribute towards rebuilding trust and strengthening social bonds,” Bhat added. Several Kashmiri Pandit participants described the reunion as an emotional and nostalgic experience for them. “I still remember how we lived, studied, played and shared meals together without any sense of division,” said Sunny Bhat, working in corporate sector. The alumni meet concluded with a high note while participants expressed hope for such interactions in future also as they can be a boon to shared heritage and everlasting communal harmony in Kashmir.