Thiruvananthapuram: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that Operation Thoofan, the state’s anti-drug campaign, is set to enter its crucial second phase, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan scheduled to inaugurate it at Vengara in Malappuram on September 28.
The second phase will focus on strengthening anti-drug awareness by forming Janajagratha Samitis (people’s vigilance committees) in all local self-government institutions, the minister said at a press conference.
According to Chennithala, the measures taken during the first phase of Operation Thoofan helped reduce drug distribution by around 30 per cent. The second phase will focus on reducing demand for drugs and strengthening rehabilitation initiatives.
The Thoofan Narco Hunt programme will be expanded to all wards across the state. Along with panchayats, municipalities and corporations, local community groups, including residents’ associations, will also be brought into the campaign.
The minister said the initiative would create an Early Intervention mechanism to enable communities to identify potential drug-related risks before police intervention becomes necessary.
Thoofan flags will be hoisted at all local self-government institutions on September 28. Elected representatives, along with members of Kudumbashree, ASHA workers, Haritha Karma Sena, youth and sports organisations, will take a pledge as Thoofan Warriors.
