Opinion | The Rising Voice Kashmiri Youth Breaking Free from Addiction Voices, Victories, and the Power of Second Chances

Over the past decade, drug abuse has become one of the most serious social issues in Jammu and Kashmir, especially among youths. What used to be a whispered problem is now openly recognized as a crisis endangering not only the health but also the well-being of individuals as well as the family and society at large. The increasing number of youth succumbing to drug addiction underscores the need to tackle the issue through well-informed, concerted, and long-term efforts.
Kashmir, usually renowned for its natural splendor and rich cultural heritage, is now facing an unseen but emerging crisis. The age group most hit by drug addiction is between 15 and 35 years. Unemployment, Political challenge, peer pressure, and easy availability of drugs have been major factors in pushing youth towards substance abuse. Many first start with prescription medication or marijuana, and then end up caught up in worse habits, such as heroin. Limited knowledge and restricted access to mental health services further exacerbate the situation, rendering most families powerless and adolescents at risk.
As a response to this deteriorating crisis, several anti-drug campaigns have been initiated throughout the region. These campaigns are focused on spreading awareness, preventing the development of addiction, and assisting those already addicted. They are based on community involvement, educational outreach, media interaction, and rehabilitation programs. Throughout Kashmir, one can see a concerted effort by government departments, police, civil society, religious organizations, and youth groups, all united in making a drug-free society.
Police have also played a leading role at the grassroots levels. A drug awareness activity was held in Sopore at the Government Higher Secondary School Dangiwacha Rafiabad. Over 200 students, teachers, and lecturers took part, focusing on raising youth awareness of the risks of drug abuse and the benefits of leading a drug-free life.
A massive wave of anti-drug awareness programs is building pace in Jammu and Kashmir, with full involvement from the masses in the south as well as the north. In Rajouri, a mega awareness programme registered more than 1,500 participants from students, teachers, civil society activists, and government officials.
In Tral, South Kashmir, the “Say No to Drugs” movement has adopted a community-oriented, inclusive approach. The school curriculum now includes some mention of drug education, and the community and youth are engaging in workshops and seminars designed to give youth the knowledge to resist peer pressure to use drugs. The campaign intends to combat myths and promote a culture of informed choice.
In North Kashmir, the town of Hajin in Bandipora is progressing under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. An awareness programme initiated by Executive Officer Farhana Showkat brought together transport workers, traders, students, and elder citizens at the Town Hall. She highlighted how addiction not only targets an individual but the community as a whole, calling for a collective move towards a drug-free community.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) is also directly engaging communities. In Batamaloo, Momin Abad, Srinagar, a recent awareness session in association with local NGOs attracted approximately 400 attendees. Experts explained the causes and effects of addiction, urging youth to become active players in prevention. These collective efforts across South and North Kashmir signify a growing determination to combat drug abuse and promote healthier, safer communities.
These anti-drug campaigns are not just creating awareness, but changing lives. More and more Kashmiri youth are giving up their drug habit and changing their lives to be not only entrepreneurs, but also self-reliant. Their personal stories are moving accounts of resilience and determination.
One of them, Aqib from Baramulla, was a school dropout with a problem of addiction. He attended a de-addiction program and underwent counseling. Aqib began a small poultry farm with the assistance of an NGO. He not only takes care of his family but now also employs two other youngsters from his neighborhood.
Another motivational example is Suhail from Pulwama, who had struggled with substance abuse during his college days. With the help of a community rehabilitation center and his family, he began his own carpentry unit. Suhail now addresses schools and colleges during awareness campaigns and frequently says, “If I can do it, anyone can. All you need is one chance and the courage to take it.”
Adding to this expanding roster of role models is Baramulla’s Muzaffar Baba, a Master’s degree holder who converted adversity to opportunity. Instead of yielding to the desperation of joblessness, a reason so commonly held as youth turning to drugs, Muzaffar focused his energies on starting a uniform manufacturing facility. His venture now employs some local youths and serves as a role model of self-sufficiency, inspiring others. His account proves that young people who are educated, rather than succumbing to hopelessness, can generate paths of hope and advancement through innovation and hard work.
Similarly, Dr. Masroor, a Ph.D. student from Kulgam, chose entrepreneurship, not despair. After witnessing the devastation caused by drug addiction in his community, he realized he wanted to be a part of the solution, not the problem. The combination of his education and local contacts led him to start a dry fruit business approximately two years ago that now economically supports his family. Dr. Masroor’s endeavor is an important way to demonstrate how education, when combined with purpose, can lead to positive change. His project provides him with an income, but more importantly, it reminds all young Kashmir’s that a drug-free and meaningful life is possible.
Mutahir Showkat, a young entrepreneur and author from Bandipora in North Kashmir, has chosen to use his personal experiences to guide others away from the path of addiction. He authored a motivational book titled Nooruk Safar, which focuses on youth empowerment and mental well-being. Through his writing and public engagements, Mutahir inspires young people to overcome anxiety, depression, and the lure of drugs by finding purpose and hope through faith, self-belief, and strong community connections.
These stories encourage others to view recovery not as a destination but as a start. They indicate that transformation is achievable with proper support, sensitivity, and opportunity. Most importantly, they remind the community that preventing drug addiction also involves having spaces for hope, work, and development.
The impact of these campaigns is slowly becoming visible. There is now more awareness among young people about the dangers of drug use. Conversations about drug addiction, which were once considered taboo, are now taking place in classrooms, homes, and community meetings. The participation of schools, colleges, and local leaders has imparted a sense of seriousness and order to these initiatives. More people are coming in for help for their loved ones, and the stigma of drug rehab is diminishing slowly.
Community activism against drug use is increasing throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Awareness activities and rallies mobilize teachers, leaders, health workers, and youth for a drug-free world. Students serve as peer educators, while recovering addicts give testimony about recovery to empower others. All this demonstrates a strong local commitment to prevention, recovery, and creating healthier, more resilient communities. Despite these improvements, a number of challenges persist. There is continued scarcity of quality rehabilitation facilities, particularly in rural regions. Trafficking in drugs persists on some routes, with drugs being made readily accessible. Most recovering drug addicts relapse because of an absence of extended mental health care and adequate plans for reintegration. Awareness levels have improved, but require ongoing follow-up and intervention by professionals for long-term behavior change.
Anti-drug campaigns in Jammu and Kashmir are starting to lay the stones of a healthier and stronger society, and the combined voice against drug addiction is rising louder and louder. Not only have these campaigns enlightened people, but also empowered them to take action. The examples of youngsters like Aqib, Suhail, Muzaffar Baba, Dr. Masroor, Faizan, and Mutahir Showkat are living testimonials that change is within reach. But the onus rests on all families, schools, religious institutions, civil authorities, and above all, the youth themselves. With concerted efforts and genuine commitment, Kashmir can overcome this crisis and protect the aspirations and futures of its younger generation.
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