Abuse of any manner hurts. But what makes life deplorable is when you are the one abusing your own self, body and soul. We might voice opinions regarding domestic violence or physical abuse in family and, to some extent, be able to help those oppressed. These situations are relatively easy to handle because there is a person, an abuser, and not the victim to blame. But it is difficult to speak about self-harm to someone because he/she is, both, the abuser and the victim. Sometimes, to overcome trauma afflicted by other types of abuse, such people decide to stagger towards harming their own body. Another reason why it’s problematic to speak about self harm is because of the sensitive nature of this issue. The person self abusing is at times very close to us or is someone we respect, hence the hindrance. It is similar to abject situations where sexual assault is committed by someone we know very well. In this respect, both self-harm and sexual abuse are alike, and thus very difficult to handle.
The cardinal way of committing self-harm is through substance abuse or use of narcotics. Heroin and cocaine are the most widely used drugs in this regard, abused both intravenously or through insufflations (snorting).
People believe that Kashmir valley, the sacred place of sufis and pirs, is free from this menace. But it is not. Increased use of drugs has been reported in the Valley for the past couple years. The threat mostly impacts young Kashmiri males but some cases with female users have also been chronicled by police. It has been reported by doctors and police officials that individuals as young as 8 years old have a history of drug abuse in Kashmir. Most of such cases might’ve started as curiosity, with these kids being exposed to drugs by an elder sibling or friend. However, reality might be worse. No definitive proof states otherwise. The situation truly is hapless.
Mostly youth in Kashmir, male youngsters between the age of 17 to 30, ‘occupy’ themselves by abusing drugs. Reasons can vary, from peer pressure to curiosity, or trauma due to violence, and sometimes even being unaware of the addictive nature of narcotics. Drug abuse victims are usually roped in by drug peddlers, mostly locals familiar with the area, who through their tactical approaches gain innumerable monetary benefits. The most basic approach is providing first few drug wads free of cost, in a bid to show fraternity (baradari) and association, while the underbelly is oozing scorn and malice. This is done so that young people are addicted to the provided drugs and the next time their body craves for more, they have to pay. Thus, the drug dealer receives more customers and each customer brings more money. Who cares if this drug vendor is ruining a youngster’s health or life? As long as money steers in, the vendor is ready to ruin each life he can put his filthy hands on.
Drug abuse stems from bad company and weak character but what propels it is well-established channels and safe routes for drugs to enter our society. Drug trafficking, through western routes and countries neighbouring Kashmir, acts as an insidious force, hard to reason with and in need to be banished entirely. Here, security forces of our region can play a very important role. They have power to control, limit and curb import of drugs and subsequent trade with the mostly unaware, gullible Valley youngsters. Apart from police, the next responsible adults are parents, guardians, teachers, imams, social workers, and lastly the individual himself. More observant the former, easier it is to stop drug abuse. Any suspected behaviour has to be reported, taken care of in a proper dignified manner, and not pushed under the rug.
A note to every youngster:
You are gambling with life moulded meticulously and gifted mercifully to you by God. Have faith and be strong in character. If you can’t find a way out all by yourself, talk to someone other than your dealer buddy. Talk to your teacher or elder or friend. If you are afraid, speak to the anti drug abuse helpline operated by people, doctors and therapists, who genuinely care about your health and are ready to assist in any way, irrespective of your identity. Don’t fall victim to a crime against yourself.
