Lead fight against drug addiction: IGP Kashmir to youth

Srinagar, Nov 5: Assuring that police would stand by young people who are willing to bring positive change in the society, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar, on Thursday called upon youth to become partners in fight against drug addiction, cybercrime and reckless driving.
In his first media interaction since taking over as IGP Kashmir, Sujit Kumar said, “Challenges confronting society cannot be addressed through police action alone, these require active participation from youngsters, families and civil society.”
“Police are with you. I assure you that my team and the entire Kashmir Zone Police will support you. The youth must come forward and play a positive role in this fight,” he said while addressing a press conference at PCR Srinagar.
Focusing on the growing drug menace, IGP Kumar urged youngsters battling addiction not to suffer in silence, assuring them of police assistance in accessing rehabilitation facilities while keeping their identities confidential.
He said those seeking help could approach any police station or the police-run drug rehabilitation centre, where necessary assistance would be provided without exposing their identities.
The IGP also made a special appeal to recovering victims to share their experiences through videos and awareness messages, saying their stories could motivate other youngsters to stay away from drugs and seek help.
He said he wanted more such initiatives in which young people who had overcome addiction could inspire others through their personal experiences.
On cybercrime, he cautioned youngsters against becoming part of organised online fraud networks, particularly those involving mule bank accounts used to cheat people of their hard-earned money.
Describing such activities as a betrayal of one’s own people, he urged youth not to provide their bank accounts to fraudsters or become involved in financial transactions linked to cybercrime.
He also called for greater awareness about online fraud and urged victims to report such incidents promptly so that necessary action could be taken to prevent financial losses.
Expressing concern over reckless driving, IGP Kumar said rash driving, speeding, modified motorcycles and loud bikes during night hours were endangering lives and causing inconvenience to the public, particularly elderly people.
He appealed to youngsters to follow traffic rules, avoid using mobile phones while driving, refrain from improper parking and show consideration for pedestrians and other road users.
Referring to a recent initiative by Srinagar Police, IGP Kumar appreciated a youngster who had uploaded a video of reckless driving but later acknowledged his mistake and appealed to other youth not to repeat such behaviour.
He said such positive examples should be encouraged, adding that youngsters could use social media to spread awareness against drug addiction and irresponsible driving rather than promote dangerous behaviour.
Reiterating his appeal for collective action, the IGP said the younger generation had an important role in shaping a responsible society and police would extend all possible support to those willing to contribute positively.
Pertinently, Kumar, a 2007-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, assumed charge as IGP Kashmir Zone in August 2026, succeeding V K Birdi. (KNO)