RK News Service
Budgam, May 19: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi on Tuesday said the fight against narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir must evolve into a mass movement to effectively combat the growing drug menace in the region.
She was addressing the “Asluk Aalav” social transformation programme organised by Al-Rahim Trust at Town Hall Budgam along with BJP J&K general secretary Ashok Koul.
Speaking at the event, Dr Andrabi said the drug network had been operating alongside the terror network in J&K since 1989 and had developed deep roots in society.
“J&K has to become part of the Prime Minister’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ mission. The mission against narco-terror has to become a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said, adding that sustained and strong action was necessary to eliminate the menace.
She said the J&K Waqf Board had initiated an awareness movement against drug abuse two years ago and that imams and khateebs associated with Waqf-managed mosques and shrines regularly speak against narcotics.
Dr Andrabi also alleged that some political elements were attempting to weaken the anti-drug campaign by opposing strict action against drug peddlers.
“The majority population has stood up against this menace under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor and the police are doing commendable work,” she said.
Highlighting environmental concerns, she stressed the need for adopting environment-friendly lifestyles, saying J&K’s fragile ecology must be protected for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Koul stressed the importance of social transformation and preserving cultural traditions and moral values among the youth.
“Kashmir’s harmonious culture is based on shared values across religious and linguistic communities. We need to build a drug-free, peaceful and tolerant future generation,” he said.
Religious preacher Maulana Owais Qadiri also addressed the programme.