By: Jasib Shabir
Srinagar: In today’s generation parents are not as worried about whether their son or daughter can become an IAS officer, IPS officer doctor, or engineer. They are more concerned about ensuring their child does not fall into bad habits or bad company especially involving drugs.
Recent studies suggest that in Jammu and Kashmir around 13.5 lakh people are affected or 10.8% of the population. Among them nearly 1.7 lakh children aged 10 to 17, are using drugs especially opioids and inhalants. Among adults about 11.8 lakh people are affected with opioids being the most common drug followed by alcohol, sedatives, cannabis and inhalants.
Data from state psychiatric hospitals show that 90% of drug users are between the ages of 17 and 35. This means that the problem mainly affects young people. This is a big problem that needs attention. We as young people have a responsibility to fight drugs and work towards creating a drug free society. It may take some time, but we must start today. Use social media to share information and educate others about the dangers of drugs.
Some people blame the police or government for solving the problem, but they do their best. Over the past four years, more than 6,500 drug cases have been filed and more than 9,400 people have been arrested. In 2021, 1,681 cases were registered, but in 2023-24, the number increased to 3,190.The value of heroin seized in the last four years is 30,000 crore, which shows how serious the situation is.
But the solution is not just in the hands of the police or the government. Society and schools also have a big role to play. Schools should check their students regularly for signs of drug use. Teachers can reduce five minutes from each class and use that time to teach students about social issues like drug addiction.
Drug use has also caused suicide of MU and Kashmir. The use of tobacco in the area is 20.8 %, which is sixth in India. It kills a generation and not enough degradation center to help those in need.
A study reveals that around 33,000 syringes are used daily by drug abusers in Kashmir for injecting heroin. On average, each drug user spends Rs 88,183 per month on substance abuse.
with reports indicating that about 60-70% of the narcotics drugs come from international sources particularly from across the border.
We cannot stay silent anymore. Everyone must work together to fight this problem. Our leaders need to focus as muchon saving our youth from drugs as they do on political issues.
