Pulwama duo use forum, cricket as tool to keep youth away from drugs

Pulwama: In a time when drug abuse is becoming a major concern in Kashmir, two men from Rahmoo village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are working hard to make a difference.

Sheikh Rayees and Tariq Ahmad Wani have been leading social efforts in their community for the past six years. Their goal: to protect youth from falling into the trap of addiction and give them better opportunities through sports and community support.

Rayees started the Rahmoo Public Interest (RPI) platform in 2018. It began as a small group that helped villagers raise their concerns with local authorities. Today, RPI is known across Pulwama for highlighting public issues and helping people get their problems solved.

In 2021, Wani formed the Ruma Reshi Cricket Club (RRCC) to encourage young people to focus on sports and stay away from drugs. The club not only trains youth in cricket but also teaches them discipline and teamwork.

Thanks to their efforts, both RPI and RRCC have earned the respect of people across the district. Locals say these groups were formed out of love for the community—not for fame or money.

“Through RPI and RRCC, we have seen real change,” said one local resident. “The youth now have role models and a better path to follow.”

In Rajpora tehsil, where these efforts are focused, signs of improvement are visible. Young people are now more engaged in positive activities, and the fear of rising drug abuse is slowly being replaced with hope.