Sopore, Mar 28: Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman on Saturday said efforts are being intensified to engage youth in sports and constructive activities to steer them away from drugs and other social evils.
Addressing media, he said the police are organising sports events, seminars and awareness programmes to channelise youth energy in a positive direction and reduce their involvement in unproductive activities, including excessive use of mobile phones.
He said tackling terrorism remains the top priority of the police, followed by the fight against drugs.
The officer said several measures, including arrests and property seizures, have been taken, which have had a significant impact, particularly in curbing drug smuggling in border areas of North Kashmir.
He credited the success to the combined efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil society and the general public.
Zaman said youth engagement initiatives are being carried out in coordination with departments such as Youth Services and Sports, with special focus on rural areas where opportunities are limited.
He also urged media persons to adhere to journalistic ethics and avoid sharing unverified information, warning of strict action against misinformation that could disturb public order.
The DIG said the police are promoting sports like cricket at the grassroots level to nurture talent and enhance youth participation across villages.
Earlier, Police in Sopore organised the grand finale of sports activities under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) 2025–26, marking the culmination of a series of youth-focused events held across the police district.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftkhar Talib, along with other senior police and civil administration officers, civil society members, representatives of organisations, and a large number of students and locals attended the event.
Police said that around 20 activities were organised under the CAP during 2025–26, including sports events, cultural programmes, educational initiatives and anti-drug awareness campaigns, with participation from schools, sports clubs, youth groups and civil society organisations.
The grand finale featured the conclusion of four major sporting events—cricket, football, kabaddi and kho-kho. Trophies and prizes were distributed among winners and runners-up.
Addressing the gathering, SSP Sopore highlighted the importance of constructive youth engagement, stating that policing extends beyond law enforcement to building trust and strengthening community ties.
The DIG appreciated the efforts of the police in organising such programmes and stressed the need for continued collaboration between police, civil society and educational institutions to guide youth towards positive activities.
He also urged young people to stay away from negative influences and make use of such platforms to channel their energy productively.
