Every year, on 26th June, the International Day against Drug Abuse is observed world over. Under the aegis of United Nations, this day is being observed against drug abuse and Illicit trafficking since 1989. The date June 26 is to commemorate Lin Zexu’s dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China. This year’s theme for the day is “An Aware Family… A Safe Society.”
Like rest of the world, India too observes this day and it was in this backdrop that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah today said that drugs are the biggest scourge for the youth and the Modi government is striking narco-cartels ruthlessly and bringing back the addicted youth to normal life with empathy. He hoped that the the day will further fortify the country’s resolve against the menace of drug abuse.
Jammu and Kashmir too is face to face with huge crisis in the form of drug abuse and trafficking. Not a single day passes when there are no reports regarding seizure of narcotics or arrest of drug peddlers. Yesterday, June 25, Srinagar Police have attached a residential property—comprising a two-storeyed house along with land worth approximately ₹1 crore, belonging to a “notorious” drug peddler in Takanwari under Sections 68-E and 68-F of the NDPS Act. The trafficking and abuse of drugs is emerging as a biggest challenge to Kashmir society as more and more people, particularly the youth, are falling prey to this menace.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a coordinated operation against the traffickers and have been arresting the peddlers, seizing narcotics and in certain cases attaching the properties of those who are running the drug mafia. People are appreciating these efforts of the Police and expect more vigorous war against those who are playing with the lives of youths. However, the war against drug abuse and trafficking can’t be won by law enforcing agencies alone.
As for as curbing the trafficking, the common people can’t contribute much. It is solely the responsibility of the law enforcing agencies. However, people can cooperate and approach to the police if they observe any suspicious activity in their respective vicinities. While Police have to be more pro-active in fighting the drug trafficking and, in the words of Union Home Minister, should strike narco-cartels ruthlessly, the people too have to play their role to curb the menace of drug abuse. Peoples’ war should start from individual homes as the theme of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse suggests – An Aware Family… A Safe Society. Let us keep an eye on our children and communicate with them frequently so that we are able to notice whether they have fallen in some bad company or not.
