IGP VK Birdi Inaugurates Martyrs T20 Cricket Tournament in Anantnag, Promotes Sports as a Tool to Combat Drug Abuse
Anantnag: The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, reiterated the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the youth of the region through sports, while also addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse among the younger population. Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony of a T20 cricket tournament in Anantnag, IGP Birdi emphasized the importance of offering youth a healthy alternative to harmful distractions like drug abuse.
“The purpose of organizing such sports activities is not only to improve physical health but also to instill life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership,” said IGP Birdi. He acknowledged the growing concerns over drug addiction in the Valley and stressed the need for timely interventions to prevent young people from falling prey to this social menace. “Drug abuse is a serious challenge that threatens the fabric of our society, particularly our youth, who are the future of this region,” Birdi added.
The police department’s involvement in organizing events like sports tournaments aims to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents, build confidence, and stay away from the dangers of substance abuse. Birdi highlighted that such initiatives serve a dual purpose—fostering personal development among youth while also strengthening the relationship between the police force and the community.
The IGP assured the public that the police are not only working to create constructive platforms for youth but are also taking strict action against those involved in pushing drugs into society. “We are committed to addressing the root causes of drug addiction. Those who target our youth with drugs will face the full force of the law. Our goal is not just to punish, but to prevent such activities,” he stated.
Birdi also expressed the police’s intent to increase the frequency of such initiatives across districts, ensuring that young people everywhere have access to sports and other positive activities. According to the IGP, these events are vital for building a healthy, active, and empowered community.
The T20 cricket tournament saw enthusiastic participation from local youth, with many grateful for the opportunity to engage in a well-organized and competitive environment. The IGP was joined by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir Range, Javaid Iqbal Matoo, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, Sh. G.V Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, and Indian cricketer Parvaiz Rasool, who also attended the event.
During his interaction with the media, Parvaiz Rasool highlighted the need for a turf stadium in Anantnag to provide youth with better facilities for cricket. “International-level turf wickets are essential for youth development. We have 14 cricketers from this region who are set to participate in the upcoming IPL auction. It’s important that we create the right infrastructure to nurture this talent,” Rasool said. He also praised the district police for taking the initiative to organize such events and provide youth with opportunities to excel.
IGP Birdi concluded his address by calling for a collective effort from the police, families, and communities to create a drug-free and progressive environment for the younger generation. “Together, we can ensure that our youth have the opportunities they need to grow, succeed, and contribute positively to society,” he affirmed.
