KHALTSE: Expressing concern over the growing incidence of substance abuse among youth, Deputy Commissioner Sham, Kunzes Angmo (JKAS), on Friday directed government departments and stakeholders to launch intensive awareness campaigns across the district, underscoring that coordinated action and sustained public engagement are essential to curb the drug menace.
The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Khaltse, where officials, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community representatives and civil society stakeholders deliberated on preventive strategies and intervention measures to address drug-related challenges in the district.
Emphasising the need for a comprehensive response, the Deputy Commissioner said awareness generation, community participation, regular monitoring and strict enforcement must go hand in hand to prevent the spread of substance abuse. She stressed that protecting the younger generation from addiction requires collective responsibility and active involvement from both institutions and local communities.
As part of the decisions taken during the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Liker, to conduct awareness campaigns at the sub-divisional level and instructed all concerned departments to organise public outreach programmes at the earliest. Special emphasis was laid on educating youth about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and promoting awareness of the emergency helpline number 112 in every village across Sham district.
The meeting reflected a broad-based approach to the issue, bringing together representatives from the administration, police, education sector, community organisations and local leadership. Detailed discussions focused on strengthening preventive mechanisms, enhancing public awareness, improving rehabilitation support systems and fostering greater coordination among stakeholders.
Superintendent of Police Sham, Aijaz Malik (JKPS), briefed participants on the prevailing drug abuse scenario and highlighted the need for stronger community involvement and intensified awareness efforts to effectively counter the challenge. He emphasised that public cooperation remains critical in identifying and preventing drug-related activities.
Community representatives also voiced concern over the issue and pledged support to the administration’s initiatives. The President of the Namberdar Association Sham assured full cooperation in awareness and prevention efforts, while the Vice President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Sham stressed the importance of collective social action in addressing the growing concern.
Among those present were the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Liker; Principal, Government Degree College Khaltse; Block Medical Officer, Khaltse; Block Development Officers of Khaltse, Skurbuchan and Singaylalok; Principal, Government Higher Secondary School Khaltse; Child Development Project Officer, Khaltse; Zonal Education Officer, Khaltse; Station House Officer, Khaltse; Panchayat Inspector, Saspol; representatives of community organisations, merchant bodies and local institutions.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to intensify anti-drug initiatives, strengthen awareness campaigns and build community-led mechanisms aimed at fostering a healthier and drug-free society across Sham district.
