Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 16 

Authorities and residents in Shopian organised candlelight marches and awareness programmes against drug abuse on the occasion of the International Day of Light as part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign in south Kashmir, officials said on Friday.

The district administration illuminated educational institutions and held public outreach events under the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” campaign aimed at promoting a drug-free society and raising awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

Government employees, students, traders and members of civil society participated in the marches, carrying candles and raising slogans such as “Drug-Free Shopian” and “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life”.

A major procession in Shopian town marched from Gole Chowk to Government Boys Higher Secondary School and was led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner along with other officials.

Participants described the campaign as a collective effort to protect young people from drug addiction and strengthen public awareness against narcotics.

Civil society member Mitha Gatoo said the movement aimed not only to make Shopian drug-free but also to spread awareness across Jammu and Kashmir.

“The purpose is not only to make Shopian drug-free but to extend this movement across the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Similar candlelight marches were organised at several tehsil headquarters across the district, where residents from different communities joined the awareness campaign.

Officials said the events reflected growing public participation in anti-drug initiatives and a broader effort to combat substance abuse through community engagement and awareness programmes.