Srinagar, Mar 20:Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh on Saturday said that narcotics poses big challenge and โ€œwe have to fight it.โ€

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating Zonal Level U-19 Cricket tournament, being organised by Kashmir Zone Police at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonawar, Srinagar, he said police was committed and working hard to tackle the challenge posed by drugs and need support from all sections of the society especially the youth to curb this menace.

He said that together we can overcome any challenge and work for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.

โ€œWhen (militancy) was routed out of Punjab in 90s, our neighboring country smuggled narcotic drugs to trap youth in drug related illegal activities,โ€ he said as per GNS, adding, โ€œPakistan is still using narcotic drugs in well laid mechanism to spoil the careers and lives of our youth of Jammu and Kashmir.โ€

He said that the youth participating here are giving a message to all, as to how get engaged in positive activities and not to fall prey to drugs. He said sports activities not only improve physical strength but also channalise positive energies in right direction.

Th top police officer of J&K also congratulated the organizing committee and support staff for organizing the event.

He said that organizing such events are the signs of peaceful atmosphere which is changing for good every passing day. The DGP said he feels happy on seeing the young physically fit players taking part in different sports activities.

He said the youth participating in different sports activities are playing important role in creating cheerful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.

โ€œWe should over come sorrows and sadness due to the situations which all of us have faced, rather we should work together for peace,โ€ the DGP added.

Earlier in his welcome speech IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar gave details of the participating teams which included two teams each from South Kashmir, Central Kashmir and North Kashmir. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Pandurang K. Pole, GOC 21 Sub Area SPS Vishwas Rao, DIG CKR Amit Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, Commandants of Central Kashmir Range based JK Armed/IRP battalions and other gazetted officers were present in the opening ceremony.