Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Saturday said that the situation in Kashmir is as bad as in Punjab as the use of drugs by youth has reached a dangerous level here.
The Div Com, Pandurang K Pole, said this while chairing an awareness programme on drug abuse organized jointly by Muslim Waqf Board and Excise Department at Old Zero Bridge, here.
The programme was attended by CEO and Secretary Waqf Board, DC Excise, Imams and Khateebs of various shrines and masjids including Dargah Hazratbal, Naqashband Sahab, Jamia Masjid Munawarbad, Syed Yaqoob Sahab Sonwar, Masjid Zero Bridge, Char-i- Sharief shrine, besides the scholars, preachers of different districts and officers and officials from Excise department and Muslim Waqf Board.
On the occasion, the Div Com sought support and cooperation from scholars on sensitizing people in general and farmers in particular on the perils of growing poppy and cannabis, youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
He urged the religious scholars to spread the message through Friday sermons that the practice of growing such plantations is not only anti-religious but also has lasting effects on society.
He said that using drugs both in powder and tablet form as addiction is posing a bigger threat to the future generation as the number of drug addicts is increasing in Kashmir.
According to an official press release, the Div Com said that there were some incidents where it has been found that “some vested interests from across the border are also involved in spreading the drug abuse in Kashmir with supplying cocaine and heroin and other drug like substances through various illegal means.”
He said all forms of drug addiction are harmful and can become cause of destruction of the entire family of a drug addict.
He said though the efforts by the government are afoot to control the drug abuse, however, both scholars and parents have to play their role to cooperate with and support the administration in curbing the menace.
The Div Com urged people to volunteer in joining the administration in destroying the cannabis growing usually on barren lands, particularly on both sides of the River Jhelum.
On the occasion, scholars warned of the worst consequences of drug addiction among the youth and extended their support to ensure curbing of the abuse in Kashmir.
The Div Com reiterated that scholars need to support the administration as positively as they did during the COVID pandemic to get the fruitful results in the war against drug abuse. He urged them to extend cooperation in conducting similar awareness programmes at district and tehsil levels too across Kashmir.
