JAMMU: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite against rising communal polarisation and religious intolerance, saying such divisive forces threaten the region’s longstanding social harmony.
Addressing a public meeting in Marh, Sadhotra said that after withstanding decades of terrorism through collective resilience, the people of Jammu and Kashmir must now stand together to preserve their composite culture and inclusive traditions.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have time and again proven that unity is our strength. Today, when attempts are being made to divide us on religious and communal lines, we must reaffirm our commitment to our composite culture and inclusive way of life,” Sadhotra said.
He added that National Conference’s ideology has always been rooted in secularism, and any attempt to disturb the region’s peace must not only be countered politically but also socially isolated.
Raising concern over the growing drug menace, Sadhotra described it as a silent epidemic that is eroding the youth and shaking the foundations of society. “The fallout of drug abuse is widespread, ranging from mental health issues and academic failures to rising crimes, broken families, and even untimely deaths,” he warned.
He said that unemployment and lack of opportunities, especially over the past decade, have led to a deep sense of frustration among the youth, driving some of them towards addiction and other destructive behaviours. Calling the situation alarming, he said, “A generation full of potential is being lost to addiction. This unfortunate drug menace is going to weaken generations together and it would badly affect our country.”
Sadhotra expressed confidence that the pro-poor and pro-youth government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would prioritise youth concerns and offer meaningful solutions.
He urged the administration to address root causes of addiction by introducing targeted employment schemes, skill-building programmes, and robust counselling and rehabilitation infrastructure.
Calling for collective social responsibility, Sadhotra appealed to parents, teachers, religious and social institutions, and NGOs to join hands in combating the drug crisis. “This is not just a government responsibility. Every home, every mohalla, every institution must get involved,” he said.
