Youth, student organisations in Kerala extend support to Operation Toofan

Youth and student organisations pledged support to the anti-drug enforcement drive of the Kerala government, Operation Toofan, on Wednesday.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala convened a meeting attended by 47 representatives of nearly 25 youth and student organisations. He emphasised that the initiative would be strengthened through coordinated efforts involving youth and student organisations, irrespective of political affiliations.

He also announced that additional consultations would be held to ensure wider participation and to incorporate suggestions from stakeholders.

The representatives of various organisations put forward several recommendations to enhance the campaign. These included involving university and college unions, strengthening measures to curb online drug trafficking, protecting the identity of informants, increasing parental and teachers’ participation in awareness efforts and intensifying surveillance on social media platforms used for drug-related activities.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O J. Janeesh proposed involving sportspersons and film personalities to increase public awareness and encourage greater community participation in the campaign.

The government also announced plans to introduce a Talk Room initiative to provide counselling for students, address concerns related to substance abuse, and spread awareness about the dangers of narcotics.