Drug crisis worsens in Kashmir due to community silence: Waheed Para

PULWAMA — Peoples Democratic Party Youth President, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, here on Sunday, said that community silence on drug abuse is exacerbating the situation in Kashmir.

In a statement, Para said that Jammu & Kashmir’s alarming statistics reveal untold suicides linked to drug use. With a 20.8% tobacco usage rate, the sixth highest in India, this crisis is decimating a generation, and de-addiction support is scarce.

He said, “A study reveals that about 33,000 syringes are used to inject heroin by drug abusers in Kashmir every day. On average, a single drug abuser spends Rs 88,183 every month on substance abuse. This study tells us that drug addiction is soaring at an alarming rate, and concrete measures to curb it are essential. If actions are not taken now, this menace will have catastrophic consequences, engulfing thousands of youths.”

He emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir is seeing a surge in drug abuse. “About 4,20,000 people consume alcohol, 1,40,000 use cannabis, 5,40,000 use opioids, 1,70,000 use sedatives, 1,35,000 use inhalants, 2,000 use amphetamines, and 1,000 each use cocaine and hallucinogens. If this doesn’t wake us up, what will? De-addiction centres are the need of the hour,” he added.

Para said that this issue is one of the burning crises in Kashmir and the state. “The drug abuse epidemic is severely affecting our youth and younger generation, leading to a devastating impact on our society. The alarming statistics and the lack of adequate de-addiction support reveal the urgent need for collective action. We cannot afford to remain silent while our future generation is at stake. I request the government and all stakeholders to prioritize this issue and implement effective measures to combat this crisis,” he said.

He asserted that immediate, collective action is necessary to address this crisis and protect the future of Jammu & Kashmir. “Social awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools and colleges, and community support groups are essential. We need to provide mental health resources and counselling to those affected and create safe spaces where individuals can seek help without stigma. Also, families must be educated about the signs of drug abuse and how to support their loved ones through recovery,” he added.

Para added, “It’s time for us all to step up and take responsibility for safeguarding our community. This is not just a political issue; it is a social emergency that requires everyone’s involvement.”