Srinagar, Apr 13 :Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Thursday called on people to unite against the drug menace and protect the youth from falling prey to this evil in the Kashmir valley.

Speaking while inaugurating the first season of the “Kongposh Premier League-2023” Cricket tournament in south Kashmir’s Pampore area on Thursday, Bukhari urged the people to protect the young population from falling prey to this grave evil.

Bukhari urged the administration to take serious measures to nab each and every person who is responsible for the smuggling and sale of drugs in society.

He emphasised that society can no longer afford to lose youngsters to drugs and urged everyone to play their role in eradicating the menace.

The cricket tournament is an initiative aimed at attracting young people towards healthy and positive lifestyles and keeping them away from social evils including the drug menace.

The tournament was organized by Chairman BDC Pampore, Mohammad Altaf Mir, on behalf of the Apni Party, a statement of the party said.

Bukhari said, “Apni Party has decided to take a range of initiatives, including skill development training for the youth, with the aim of empowering the youngsters and protecting them from the ongoing drug abuse in J&K.”

“We are not taking these initiatives for political benefits or electoral gains and rather, this is a sincere effort to shoulder our responsibility towards society. Given the severity of the drug menace and its impact on society, I think every one of us ought to play his/her role in eradicating this destructive evil”, he added.

Apni Party President made a promise that he would extend his assistance in rehabilitating the drug victims