SRINAGAR: Score of inhabitants of Churat area and its adjacent localities in Qazigund area on Wednesday staged protest on Kulgam-Qazigund road, demanding stern action against drug peddlers.
Advocate Aashiq, a local youth who was part of the protest told PTK that “drug menace has spread in one of the localities here. Police must act swiftly against drug peddlers.”
Locals said that they are ready to extend support to police in eradication of drug menace from society.
Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Lambardar of village while talking with PTK said that “it is collective responsibility of society to come forward to fight against it. “We cannot see our youth becoming drug addicts. Youth are assets of nation as they have to shoulder responsibilities in every field of society. Those dealing with drugs should be booked under Public Safety Act,” he said.
An official records at the centre, which is run by the Department of Psychiatry at SMHS Hospital, reveal that out of 342 people admitted for substance abuse from 1 January 2019 to 20 June 2019, at least 309 (90.3 per cent) were abusing heroin in “some or the other form”.
The protestors appealed SSP Kulgam and DC Kulgam to intervene into the matter and ensure this menace is checked. Later the protestors dispersed off peacefully.(PTK)
