Sakina Itoo criticises anti-drug demolition drives, calls for focus on rehabilitation

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday criticised the demolition of houses allegedly linked to drug peddlers, saying such actions were “wrong” and asserting that counselling and rehabilitation, not destruction, should remain the focus of anti-drug efforts.

Talking to reporters, Sakina Itoo said the responsibility of controlling drug trafficking rested with the Home Department, while treatment and rehabilitation of addicts fell under the Health Department.

“To stop drug peddling and addiction is the job of the Home Department, while to treat them is the responsibility of the Health Department,” she said.

Referring to the anti-drug campaign launched under the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the minister said action against narcotics was necessary, but objected to the demolition of residential properties.

“LG has started a drive, and that is good, but you cannot bulldoze houses on the pretext of drug peddling and addiction,” she said.

The minister argued that demolition drives often affected entire families, including parents and relatives who may have no direct involvement in narcotics-related activities.

“Even if the property is not owned by the accused and belongs to parents or family members, houses are still being demolished. That is absolutely wrong,” she said.

Sakina Itoo said authorities should focus on identifying the larger drug supply chain instead of targeting individuals alone.

“When someone is arrested, efforts should be made to find out where the drugs came from. That is the job of the Home Department,” she said.

The Health Minister also questioned why demolition-related actions were being seen largely in Kashmir despite drug addiction and trafficking concerns existing in other regions as well.

“Why only in Kashmir? Drug addiction and peddling are more prevalent in Jammu too,” she said.

She cautioned against actions that could create public alienation and said anti-drug operations should not turn into what she termed “harassment” of ordinary people.

“We want development, and you are resorting to destruction. Your job is counselling, not destruction,” she said.

The minister further stated that the elected government did not control the Home Department in Jammu and Kashmir. “The Home Department is not with Omar Abdullah,” she said.

Appealing directly to the Lieutenant Governor, Sakina Itoo urged an end to demolition drives linked to narcotics cases. “I request the LG to stop the demolition of houses,” she said.

She also remarked that if narcotics were entering from across borders, security agencies should strengthen preventive measures. “If something is coming from the border, there are security forces, and they should stop it,” she said.

The remarks come amid intensified anti-narcotics operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where authorities have recently taken measures, including arrests, property attachment, and demolition actions against persons allegedly linked to drug peddling.