Khaltse, May 10 : Amid growing concern over substance abuse among youth in Ladakh, Government Degree College (GDC) Khaltse, in collaboration with Ladakh Police, on Saturday organised an anti-drug awareness programme under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to sensitise students about the social and health consequences of narcotics abuse.
Addressing the programme, SHO Khaltse Police Station, Inspector Jamyang Namgyal, said drug addiction was emerging as a serious challenge for society and called for collective efforts to prevent its spread among young people. He spoke about the increasing use of narcotic substances such as brown sugar, heroin, charas and LSD in the region and explained their harmful impact on physical and mental health.
The police officer said addiction often begins with habits such as cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption before progressing towards more dangerous substances. He also raised concern over public health risks linked to drug abuse, including the spread of hepatitis through syringe sharing among users.
Inspector Namgyal informed students that Ladakh Police was actively working against drug trafficking networks and taking action against peddlers. He, however, stressed that public cooperation remained essential in tackling the menace effectively.
Principal GDC Khaltse, Dr. Sameena Iqbal, in her welcome address, urged students to remain aware and responsible while contributing towards the creation of a healthy and drug-free society. She highlighted the role of educational institutions in promoting awareness and preventive action against substance abuse.
The programme began with the felicitation of the guest speaker with traditional khataks and was conducted by sixth semester student Sonam Yangdol. Students, faculty members and police officials attended the awareness session organised as part of ongoing outreach initiatives against drug abuse in Ladakh.
