Opinion | Tackling the Drug Menace in Kashmir

It is a holistic battle that requires the active participation of every stakeholder—parents, teachers, community leaders, and policymakers.

Kashmir has in recent years, faced a growing social crisis—drug addiction. This issue has seeped into the very fabric of society, devastating families and threatening the future of countless young lives. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has taken robust steps to combat this menace. Through a mix of enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation, these initiatives are beginning to show promising results. The rise in drug abuse in Kashmir has been alarming. Reports from de-addiction centers, such as the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar, reveal a sharp increase in cases of substance abuse, with heroin being the most prevalent drug of choice. Young men, and increasingly women, have fallen victim to addiction, driven by unemployment, peer pressure, and the availability of narcotics smuggled across borders. This dire situation demanded not just reactive measures but proactive strategies to stem the tide of this epidemic.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have emerged as the backbone of the government’s fight against drugs. In 2024 alone, the police registered dozens of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, seizing significant quantities of contraband, including heroin, cannabis, and brown sugar. The Handwara Police, for instance, arrested 62 drug peddlers and confiscated over 1.7 kilograms of charas, 454 grams of heroin, and other narcotics, along with vehicles and cash used in the trade. These seizures are not just about numbers; they represent a broader strategy to dismantle the supply chain of drugs in the valley. By targeting both large-scale traffickers and street-level peddlers, the police have sent a clear message: there will be zero tolerance for those involved in drug-related activities. Properties linked to drug traffickers have also been attached under the PIT NDPS Act, choking the financial lifelines of these criminal networks. Jammu & Kashmir Revenue Department identify such property on priority basis and works in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Police to fight this menace.
While enforcement has been a key pillar of the anti-drug campaign, prevention and rehabilitation have played equally important roles. Awareness campaigns under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” have reached schools, colleges, and community centers across districts. Workshops and seminars educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse, ensuring that they are equipped to make informed choices. Local influencers, including religious leaders and sports personalities, have been roped in to amplify the message.
Districts like Anantnag have pioneered community policing initiatives, bridging the gap between law enforcement and local communities. Here, the police, in collaboration with NGOs, have set up counseling centers for addicts and their families, fostering trust and offering hope. Similarly, in Baramulla, the police’s dual focus on enforcement and rehabilitation has led to the establishment of de-addiction centers, providing holistic care to those battling addiction. These centers are not merely places of treatment but spaces where individuals rediscover their potential through vocational training and psychological support.
Kupwara, a district that bears the brunt of cross-border smuggling, has witnessed heightened vigilance along its borders. The deployment of advanced surveillance technology and the dedication of border forces have significantly curbed the inflow of narcotics. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, often working in tandem with the Indian Army and Border Security Force, have intercepted numerous consignments intended for local distribution. These efforts highlight the complexities of the fight against drugs in a region with unique geopolitical challenges. Grassroots efforts in districts like Pulwama and Shopian deserve special mention. Here, village elders, teachers, and local mosque committees have taken on the mantle of educating their communities about the perils of drug addiction. This social approach, combined with government-backed initiatives, ensures a wider reach and deeper impact. The government’s focus on rehabilitation has also been a game-changer. In Kulgam, well-equipped de-addiction centers offer treatment, counseling, and skill development programs to recovering addicts. These centers have become beacons of hope for families who once thought they had lost their loved ones to drugs. The involvement of former addicts as peer counselors has further strengthened these efforts, proving that recovery is not just possible but achievable.
The stigma attached to addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help, and the economic hardship faced by many families adds to the difficulty of accessing treatment. Moreover, the nexus between smugglers and local networks continues to pose a threat. However, the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, supported by the government and civil society, offers hope for sustained progress. It is worth noting that the fight against drugs in Kashmir is not limited to enforcement. It is a holistic battle that requires the active participation of every stakeholder—parents, teachers, community leaders, and policymakers. The government’s multi-pronged strategy, which includes stricter laws, better rehabilitation infrastructure, and community engagement, has laid the foundation for a drug-free Kashmir. The path to a drug-free Kashmir may be long, but it is not impossible. With sustained efforts, a united front, and the unwavering support of its people, Kashmir can reclaim its status as a paradise not just for its beauty but for its promise of a healthy, prosperous future.
Last Line: The fight against drugs is not just about saving lives; it is about preserving
the soul of Kashmir.
Write can be reached at: aatiflonekashmir@gmail.com