Police without uniform: Himachal DGP urges students to join fight against drugs

Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari on Monday addressed students of APG Shimla University during a special awareness programme on drug abuse, urging them to consider themselves as “police without uniform” and to report any suspicious or illegal drug-related activity in their surroundings.

The programme, titled “Before You Fall, Stand Tall,” aimed to spread awareness about the growing threat of drug addiction and empower youth to become proactive participants in building a drug-free society.

Highlighting the alarming rise in drug use among youth, DGP Tiwari stressed the importance of early intervention, peer awareness and volunteer participation in anti-drug campaigns. He called on students not only to safeguard themselves but also to support and guide their peers.

The event was also addressed by SP (Welfare) Pankaj Sharma, DSP (PHQ) Geetanjali Thakur, Constable Aanandni and Lady Constable Vanita, who detailed initiatives by Himachal Pradesh Police, including awareness drives, educational campaigns and community partnerships. They shared real-life stories where timely awareness helped save young lives, while also emphasising the need to remove stigma around rehabilitation.

An interactive Q&A session allowed students to raise questions about early signs of addiction, rehabilitation centres, support services and legal consequences. Many expressed interest in volunteering for awareness campaigns and supporting peers affected by addiction.