The specter of drug abuse has cast a long and troubling shadow over Jammu and Kashmir. What was once whispered as an emerging social ill has now grown into a full-blown crisis, gripping communities, devastating families, and threatening the future of the youth. The recent Union Territory-level deliberations on narcotics control underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a coordinated, uncompromising response.
Drug addiction here is not merely a law-and-order problem; it is a humanitarian crisis. The youth, who should be the torchbearers of progress, are increasingly falling prey to substances ranging from cannabis and heroin to pharmaceutical drugs. The consequences are stark; broken homes, rising crime, deteriorating health, and a generation at risk of being lost to dependency. The menace has seeped into schools and colleges, with peddlers targeting vulnerable students, thereby corroding the very foundation of society.
The government’s resolve to adopt a zero-tolerance policy is both timely and necessary. The multi-pronged strategy being charted out rests on five pillars: awareness, counselling, enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation. Each of these is critical, for the fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. Awareness campaigns must continue to highlight the devastating health and social consequences of addiction, while counselling services at the grassroots level can provide early intervention before experimentation turns into dependency.
Equally important is the strengthening of treatment facilities. The establishment of drug de-addiction wards in district hospitals, availability of essential medicines, and trained manpower close to people’s doorsteps are steps in the right direction. Rehabilitation, too, must go beyond medical treatment. Reintegration of recovered individuals into society; through skill development, employment opportunities, and community support; will ensure that they do not relapse into the cycle of addiction.
The administration’s emphasis on deterrent measures, including cancellation of licences, passports, and vehicle registrations for offenders, sends a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated. Financial choking of syndicates through property attachments under the “Proceeds of Narcotics” provisions is another powerful tool, striking at the economic backbone of the trade. The destruction of illicit cultivation, aided by satellite imagery, reflects the seriousness of the campaign against supply chains.
Yet, challenges remain. The low rate of conviction in narcotics cases highlights systemic bottlenecks in prosecution. Delays in trials, pendency of cases, and weak witness examination dilute the deterrent effect of enforcement. Technology-driven solutions such as video conferencing for trials and AI-based assistance tools for investigators and prosecutors must be scaled up to ensure swift and effective justice.
Historically, Jammu and Kashmir has faced waves of crises; political, economic, and social. The drug menace is perhaps one of the most insidious, for it silently erodes the vitality of the youth. Unlike external threats, this is an internal decay, and its cure lies in collective vigilance and sustained action. The present situation demands not only stringent enforcement but also compassion, for every addict is also a victim who needs help and hope.
Looking ahead, the future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on how effectively this battle is fought. A society free from drugs is not merely a dream; it is a necessity for peace, prosperity, and progress. The government’s comprehensive plan must be matched by community resolve, systemic efficiency, and unwavering political will. Only then can the chains of addiction be broken.