Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Dec 15: “We have started a movement in Masjid Jamats together with like-minded people for addiction free society considering seriously that young people and Muslim youths in particular are becoming victims of drug addiction and a problem for families, society and community,” said Beary’s group president Sayyed Mohammed Beary.
Speaking in a news conference in Beary’s Valencia on Saturday, he said that there are hundreds of educational institutes in the district. “Drug peddlers are making the vicinity of those institutes as the centre for misleading students and youth. The mind and body of drug addicts gets destroyed. His future, family relationship and environment spoils. That affects the society and community. It is necessary to create awareness to prevent such disaster. An awareness campaign will be held at Masjid-Jamat level after obtaining guidance from Khazis from two districts Thwakha Ahmed Musliar and Bekal Ibrahim Musliar,” he said.
“Drug addiction is not restricted to any community. It has addicted youth from all religions and languages though Muslims are in large numbers. We will be trying to take them away from the addiction with help from more than a thousand Khateebs from both the districts, presidents with the cooperation of management committee and discussions. “
“We have held discussions with Mangaluru Bishop, Pejavar swamiji and other district leaders. Help will be obtained from Police department, elected representatives, social and community leaders, heads of educational institutes, service organizers working against drug addiction, advisors, expert doctors, social activists, youth and social media users. It is a continuous process. The campaign will be held for 100 days to start with. Further plan will be decided on the basis of the outcome,” said Sayyed Mohammed Beary.
“Among three main businesses in the world, while petroleum and weapons have taken first two spots, business on drugs is in third spot. Mangaluru has already reached serious stage similar to Punjab as per a study. It may become Karnataka’s drug capital if it continues. The addiction has reached villages. Besides children of sixth or seventh standard, girls may also become its victims. The situation may become explosive,” said Sayyed Mohammed Beary.
“Police department has already taken stern measures against it. Different service organizations are doing as much as they can. But there is lack of awareness among parents. Therefore, awareness campaigns will be held in temples, masjids and churches. It will help addicts to stay away from the habit. It is intended to create wide awareness among parents and students,” he said.
Zeenath Baksh central Juma Masjid chief secretary Hai Mohammed Hanif, Karnataka Muslim Jamaat district unit chief secretary Haji B M Mumtaz Ali, Hidaya foundation president Goltamajalu Mohammed Hanif Haji, state food delegation member B A Mohammed Ali, Talent research foundation president Riaz Ahmed Kannur were present.
“Even if the habit is given up at a stage, there is a danger of youth getting attracted towards it again. Therefore, we intend to start de addiction center after Friday namaz together with awareness, movement and information,” he said.