The growing substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir is once again in news. More so in Kashmir Valley where according to the Director General of Police Dilbagh, the drug addiction is now a bigger challenge than even militancy. Kashmir, it is said, is now on way to becoming new Punjab. According to data from India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, approximately 8 percent of the population, roughly 10 lakh residents, are drug addicts. This alarming situation calls for urgent attention and comprehensive solutions to combat the widespread abuse of drugs such as heroin, cannabis, opioids, and sedatives.
Of all the substances being abused, heroin stands out as a particularly alarming concern. Not only does its consumption impose a significant financial burden on addicts, but the practice of sharing needles and syringes has also given rise to the spread of dangerous infections like HIV and hepatitis C. The complexity of the crisis lies in its multifaceted origins, where poverty and unemployment play a pivotal role in pushing many young individuals into the clutches of addiction. The ongoing conflict in the region has also exacerbated this crisis, fostering an environment of fear and instability that further fuels substance abuse.
In a bid to curb this crisis, law enforcement agencies have taken significant steps. Over the course of 2022, nearly 1,700 alleged drug peddlers were apprehended in Kashmir, with 1,021 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Despite these efforts, the impact on the ground remains limited, as youth continue to resort to psychotropic substances, barbiturates, and sleeping pills.
To fully understand the underlying factors that lead Kashmiri youth towards drugs, one must acknowledge the long-standing political conflict that has plagued the region for over three decades. The youth, who bear the brunt of this conflict, face an alarming unemployment rate of 24 percent. A significant portion of this demographic comprises uneducated and unskilled individuals who feel disillusioned and bereft of opportunities. The perpetual political uncertainty and the cumulative effects of the past decades have fostered a deep sense of hopelessness, pushing young people to seek solace in drugs as a means to alleviate their frustration.
While it is tempting to lay the blame for this crisis solely on the region’s political turmoil, it is crucial to recognize the collective societal responsibility in addressing the problem. The availability of prescription drugs in the union territory also contributes to the severity of the issue. Pointing fingers solely at the political conflict absolves us from taking shared accountability in rectifying the situation. A united effort is essential to face this formidable challenge head-on.
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