Opinion | Looming Perils of Narco-Terrorism!

Narco-terrorism is the fusion of terrorism and the illegal drug trade, in which terrorist acts are committed by drug trafficking organisations to further their criminal enterprises or intimidate governments and the populace. The use of violence and intimidation to control drug trafficking routes and territories is one example of this, as is the commission of terrorist actions to topple governments and undermine societies.
Both the drug trade and the narco-terrorism phenomenon have expanded and changed over time. In many parts of the world, it still poses a severe security danger. Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a major increase in narco-terrorism . In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in drug trafficking in the region, with heroin , brown sugar and cannabis among the illegal substances that are grown and processed in neighbouring nations before being trafficked into India and other nations. The Kashmir Valley has seen a 2,000 percent increase in heroin consumption in the last five years due to surrounding nations embracing narco-terrorism as a new weapon in their proxy fight against India. Referring to the threat that directly targets youngsters and provides funding for terrorism. The J&K administration established the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) last year to address the growing threat of narco-terrorism in the area after assessing the severity of the issue. Nonetheless, heroin abuse has increased to dangerous proportions in the country despite persistent campaigns.
In addition to supporting terrorism, Pakistan has promoted the smuggling of drugs into Kashmir. The neighbouring nation’s readjusting hybrid war tactics in Jammu and Kashmir, where narco-terrorism is increasingly becoming a key weapon, has been identified by the security services.According to media reports, Kashmiri farmers, particularly those in South Kashmir, are being coerced into growing poppies to help pay for street violence and terrorist attacks. Although drug misuse among young people. The situation in J&K is no less alarming. The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) estimates that there are 70,000 substance abusers in the Valley, 31 percent of them are female. Over 90% of drug abusers fall into the 17–35 age category, according to statistics on addiction released by the Government Psychiatric Hospital, Srinagar.
Considering this ominous background, it would be foolish to assume that the alarming trend of drug usage among Kashmiri youth is solely the result of the socio-psychological effects of protracted conflict, unemployment, or family/social concerns. This increasing threat, which is tearing apart the Valley’s already frayed social and moral fabric, undoubtedly has a much wider purpose.From the ground up, accountability must be established. The most crucial part of aiding drug addiction recovery and being on guard is civil society. We are currently having trouble controlling the drug threat state after state. Another crucial factor to consider is interstate police collaboration and intelligence sharing. A big obstacle to our goal of establishing a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 will be drug addiction. Ultimately, the window of opportunity is closing; to effectively stop drug smuggling in India, a comprehensive strategy involving law enforcement, demand reduction, and international cooperation is required.Given the transnational nature of the drug trade and the involvement of organised criminal networks, the issue is still present and difficult to solve. Hence, to avoid its negative effects on security, public health, and societal stability in Jammu and Kashmir, the government and law enforcement agencies must take strong action.After terrorism, narcotics pose the greatest challenge. It ruins young people and sustains terrorism (by providing financial support for it).
– The writer, a social activist, can be reached at mnoorkashmir@gmail.com