Marathon’s aims to channelize youth energy against drug menace, says Aarti Chowdhary
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry – Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) JKL, in collaboration with J&K Police, today organised the ‘Jammu Half Marathon – Run for Health 3.0’, with slogan “Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs” a vibrant community event aimed at raising awareness against drug abuse and promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth.
The marathon was flagged off by IGP Jammu, Bhim Singh Tuti, in presence of senior officers of Jammu Police and Aarti Chowdhary, Chairperson FICCI FLO JKL and her team at Gulshan Ground, Jammu.
The event featured four running categories – 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km, attracting an overwhelming response with over 700 registered runners and around 200 on-spot participants from different walks of life, including students, professionals, sportspersons, and senior citizens.
This was the third edition of the ‘Run for Health’ initiative by FICCI FLO and the first such collaboration with J&K Police, symbolizing a united effort to channelize youth energy towards positivity and fitness while standing firm against the drug menace. Highlighting the ongoing commitment of Jammu Police towards combating narcotics, it was showcased during the event that from 2020 to 2024, Jammu Police registered 1329 FIRs under the NDPS Act, arrested 1894 accused, and seized 185 kilograms of heroin, besides 100s of kgs of other psychotropic substances. In a focused, dedication and professional approach towards eradication of drug menace from district Jammu, in the current year alone (till 30th September), 163 FIRs have been registered, 228 accused arrested, and 3.5 kilograms of heroin seized, besides 100s of kgs of other psychotropic substances.
During the event, officers of Jammu Police who have shown exemplary dedication in the fight against drugs were felicitated for their contribution to public safety and awareness.
The marathon concluded successfully as an incident-free event, reflecting efficient coordination between organisers and police personnel.
The proceeds from the marathon will be donated to the Drug De-addiction Centre run by Jammu Police at Channi Himmat, to further strengthen its infrastructure and manpower.
Aarti Chowdhary, Chairperson FICCI FLO JKL, said the marathon aims to channelize the energy and enthusiasm of youth against the drug menace. She emphasized that such initiatives not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse, inspiring young people to actively participate in building a drug-free society.
The event reaffirmed that sports and community engagement serve as powerful tools to unite society in the mission to eradicate the drug menace and inspire collective action towards a healthier, drug-free Jammu.
The south zone team of Jammu Police played a pivotal role in organising coordinating and facilitating the event showing community outreach and engagement of industry, civil society and J&K Police for a greater social cause.