Editorial | Save Youth From Drugs

The young people are the future of every society. Their vitality, aspirations, and vigor have the promise of tomorrow. But in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley, that future is under a serious threat the scourge of drug abuse. Day by day, increasing number of youngsters’ lives are getting entangled in the web of drugs, and unless we take immediate and collective action now, we risk losing a whole generation.

Drug addiction in Kashmir is no longer a secret. In villages, towns, and even schools and colleges, the specter of drugs is expanding. Heroin, cannabis, prescription tablets, and other lethal substances are now readily available. Alarmingly, even teenagers are falling prey. Based on recent statistics from health departments and police sources, the number of drug consumers is growing fast and most of them fall in the age group of 15 to 30.

The increasing numbers of youth at de-addiction centres and hospitals tell a tragic tale. Families are disintegrating, careers are being wrecked, and dreams are being reduced to ashes. This is not a health problem it is a social emergency.

There are numerous reasons for this malady.

First, there have been decades of turmoil and uncertainty in Kashmir. Young people are hopeless, anxious, or alienated from society. Under such a state, drugs seem to them as a means to forget pain.

Second, unemployment fuels the fire. When young people are without a job and meaning, they are prone to bad habits.

Third, the widespread availability of drugs frequently smuggled across borders and weak law enforcement in some places have worsened the situation.

Fourth, despite a weakening taboo, there is still a significant social stigma associated with drug use. Families tend to keep the issue secret instead of trying to cure it. And fear of embarrassment prevents many addicts from receiving treatment.

Time To Act Together

This is not an issue that one agency alone can resolve. It requires a joint battle from the government, civil society, religious leaders, schools, health professionals, and most importantly, from the families and communities themselves.

We require vigorous awareness campaigns not annually, but on a permanent basis. Schools, colleges, mosques, panchayats, and media establishments have to discuss drugs openly. Children need to be taught from the beginning of their lives about the ill-effects of drug usage.

Films, street plays, and local language radio programmes are a better tool for spreading awareness than sermons. Social and religious leaders need to step up and address youth during Friday sermons and public gatherings.

 Increase More De-addiction Centres

Kashmir has scant few de-addiction centres, which are mainly in cities. Most rural district families have nowhere to seek help. The government needs to establish de-addiction centres in each district, with qualified professionals, medicines, and counseling services.

Each college and school should have a counsellor as well as drug education programmes. Random drug testing (sensitively carried out) as well as confidential counselling systems can rescue students from addiction before it is too late. Teachers should be trained to identify early warning signs.

The drug supply chain has to be disrupted. Firm and upright action from the police, excise, and border security personnel is required to halt the entry of drugs. Drug sellers should be given stringent punishment.

However, we should also ensure that innocent young people should not be intimidated in the name of crackdown.

Unemployment is one of the primary reasons for drug abuse. The private sector and government need to provide more job schemes for the youth. Small business support, startup assistance, and skill centres can provide direction in life to the youth. A positive youth is less prone to drugs.

Parents need to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Inaction will not assist. Discussing issues, listening non-judgmentally, and approaching help early can avoid a lifetime of suffering.

Mohalla committees, religious leaders, and community elders can have a significant role to play in identifying early warning signs and leading the youth.

Addiction to drugs is not a crime it’s a disease. Like any disease, it requires treatment, not stigma. Society needs to encourage recovery, not punish addicts. Those who seek to recover need to be given second chances — and respect.

Before It’s Too Late

Kashmir’s youth are talented, resilient, and full of potential. But they are proceeding on a razor’s edge. If we act in time, with seriousness and unity, we can save them. But if we keep quiet, then the damage will be irreversible.

The drug scourge is not tomorrow’s crisis it is today’s crisis. Let us look beyond blame and politics. Let us combat this war together for our children, for our future, and for the heart of Kashmir. The time is now.