SRINAGAR: Dr Farooq Abdullah, National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, has issued a compelling call for a determined campaign against the growing issue of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at Nawa e Subah Srinagar during interactions with party members and public delegations, Abdullah emphasised the gravity of drug abuse in the region.
“Drug abuse in J&K is becoming a rampant phenomenon. It should be a point of concern for all of us. The first step towards stopping such incidents starts with contemplation by all of us. It goes without saying that the menace is an awful manifestation of widespread unemployment prevailing across J&K. It is time for the government to change the discourse about the drug addiction issue and start to view it as a disease rather than a law-and-order issue,” he said.
He further highlighted the alarming rise in drug addiction cases in Kashmir and underscored the need for immediate and comprehensive action. Abdullah stressed that addressing this crisis requires more than just cracking down on drug traffickers; it demands a massive outreach effort to engage and support the youth.
Dr Farooq attributed the surge in drug addiction among the youth to high unemployment rates and limited opportunities, exacerbated by government inaction and societal indifference. He urged society to unite in providing hope and assistance to the youth, emphasising that waiting for government intervention alone is not enough.
Expressing concerns about the lack of adequate de-addiction centres and follow-up services, Dr Farooq called for increased access to behavioural counselling, medication, and holistic treatment for drug addicts. He asserted that tackling drug abuse requires a multifaceted approach, addressing not only substance use but also the underlying factors contributing to addiction.
The situation, as described by Farooq Abdullah, underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts at various levels to combat the growing menace of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
