Jammu: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Friday expressed serious concern over the growing menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir and called for a broader and comprehensive public policy intervention to protect the younger generation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said 806 persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 97 properties worth Rs 41.85 crore were attached and 97 properties worth Rs 41.85 crore were demolished between April 11 and May 13, as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Appreciating the ongoing campaign, Mir said that any drive against addiction and substance abuse cannot remain selective in nature and must address all forms of addiction affecting the society.
“There is a serious concern over the growing menace of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been seen during the current campaign. There is an urgent need for a broader and more meaningful public policy intervention to safeguard the younger generation from addiction and social deterioration”, he said.
The Congress leader said that alcohol addiction, particularly among youth, has emerged as a major social and public health concern and deserves equal attention alongside narcotic substances.
Referring to the increasing public discourse on regulation of liquor outlets, Mir said that the growing demand from various sections of society for phased restrictions on liquor sales deserves thoughtful and sensitive consideration by the government.
Citing examples from other states, he said Bihar and Gujarat have already implemented prohibition policies, while Tamil Nadu had reportedly shut down hundreds of liquor outlets, especially those operating near religious places, schools and densely populated localities, in response to public sentiment and social concerns.
Mir said that when several states across the country can initiate corrective measures in the larger public interest, “there is no reason why Jammu and Kashmir cannot begin a serious consultation process on regulating the unchecked availability and promotion of alcohol, particularly in vulnerable and sensitive areas”.
He also expressed concern over the easy availability of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors and alleged violations of regulations prohibiting their sale near educational institutions.
The Congress leader urged authorities to strictly enforce laws governing tobacco and alcohol sales, particularly around schools, colleges, religious institutions and public places frequented by youth.
The issue, Mir said, should not be viewed merely through the prism of revenue generation, but through its long-term social, moral and health implications on families and society.
He asserted that any policy initiative in this regard must be balanced, people-centric and evolved through public consultation while keeping in view the cultural ethos and sensitivities of Jammu and Kashmir.
Appealing for a collective action, Mir urged civil society organisations, religious leaders, parents, youth groups and policymakers to work together towards building a healthier and addiction-free society, stating that the future of the younger generation must remain the foremost priority of all stakeholders.
