Bhaijan’s Corner
100 Days, One Mission: Towards a Drug-Free Kashmir
Imtiyaz R Chashti
Kashmir, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is today facing a serious and silent crisis. Drug abuse among the youth has become one of the biggest social and health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. What was once seen as a small issue has now spread across communities, affecting students, families, and society as a whole.
Many young people, including school and college students, are falling into substance abuse. This not only destroys their own lives but also weakens the social fabric of our society. Families suffer, futures are lost, and communities are left dealing with long-term damage.
This problem is not just about law enforcement. It is caused by many factors such as easy availability of drugs, unemployment, stress, peer pressure, and lack of awareness. What often starts as curiosity or experimentation quickly turns into addiction. The most worrying part is that in some places, drug use is slowly becoming normal, making it even harder to control.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched a focused 100-day anti-drug campaign. This is a timely and important step. The campaign aims to bring together government departments, institutions, and communities to fight drug abuse through awareness, prevention, strict action, and rehabilitation. It clearly shows that the administration is serious about tackling this crisis.
However, the scale of the problem is too large for the government alone to handle. Every section of society must take responsibility.
Civil society has an important role to play. Organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) are already working at the grassroots level. They are organizing awareness programs in schools and higher secondary institutions to educate students about the dangers of drugs and to promote healthy lifestyles. Civil society can connect directly with people, speak their language, and build trust, making their efforts more effective.
Educational institutions must also step forward. Schools and colleges are not just for studies; they shape values and behavior. Regular awareness sessions, counseling, and open discussions can help students make better choices. At the same time, families must play their part.
Parents have a very important responsibility. They need to be more alert and involved in their children’s lives. It is the family that can notice early signs of trouble, changes in behavior, mood, or habits. This early stage is the best time to stop a child from falling into addiction. Unfortunately, many parents ignore these signs because they worry about what others will say. This fear of social stigma can be dangerous.
Parents must ask themselves a more important question: what if, God forbid, we lose our child to drugs? At that point, society will not matter. What will matter is the loss that can never be recovered. Instead of staying silent, parents must act early, talk openly, and seek help when needed. Awareness, courage, and timely action can save lives.
At the same time, it is important to understand that while praying or seeking blessings from religious elders for dua can bring emotional comfort and hope, drug addiction is a medical and psychological condition that requires proper treatment. There should be no hesitation in consulting doctors, counselors, or psychiatrists. Visiting a psychiatrist should not be seen as a taboo. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Psychiatric medicines are often life-saving drugs and must be treated with seriousness and responsibility. Most of these medicines fall under Schedule “H” category, which means they should only be sold with a valid prescription and under proper regulation. Drug inspectors must ensure strict implementation of these rules at chemist shops. At the same time, licensed chemists must follow the required protocols responsibly, but they should not stop supplying these medicines to genuine patients. Non-availability of essential psychiatric medicines can push patients toward unsafe alternatives or harmful substitutes, worsening the situation.
Similarly, Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) must be handled with strict professional supervision. The dosage should be administered and monitored by trained medical professionals. Providing tablets or doses for unsupervised use at home can lead to misuse and defeat the purpose of treatment. Proper monitoring, counseling, and medical guidance are essential to ensure recovery and prevent relapse.
If legally permissible, authorities should also consider telecasting a series of real and hard-hitting stories of drug addicts. Such short videos, based on true experiences, can have a powerful impact on young minds. It is important to understand that no one starts using drugs with the intention of becoming an addict. Most begin out of curiosity or experimentation, but many end up trapped in addiction. Showing the harsh realities and consequences can act as a strong deterrent and help prevent others from making the same mistake.
The role of the police in this fight deserves special appreciation. Jammu and Kashmir Police have been at the forefront of the anti-drug campaign, working tirelessly to break supply chains, arrest traffickers, and prevent the spread of narcotics across the region. Their consistent efforts, including raids, awareness drives, and coordination with other agencies, have sent a strong message that drug peddling will not be tolerated. At the same time, their community outreach programs have helped build trust and encourage people to come forward with information. This dual approach of strict enforcement and public engagement is crucial in tackling the drug menace, and their dedication remains a key pillar in the mission towards a drug-free Kashmir.
The drug problem is not limited to one area or group. It is a shared challenge. The government must continue strong action and policies, civil society must expand its outreach, schools must guide students, and families must stay vigilant. Most importantly, young people must support each other and make the right choices.
Jammu and Kashmir has always shown strength and unity in difficult times. Now is the time to use that strength again. With collective effort and determination, we can protect our youth and build a better future.
A drug-free Kashmir is not just a dream; it is an urgent need. And the time to act is now.
P.S.: Rebuttals, comments, and reasoned responses are welcome and may be shared at: imtiyazchashti@gmail.com
100 Days, One Mission: Towards a Drug-Free Kashmir
Imtiyaz R Chashti
Kashmir, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is today facing a serious and silent crisis. Drug abuse among the youth has become one of the biggest social and health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. What was once seen as a small issue has now spread across communities, affecting students, families, and society as a whole.
Many young people, including school and college students, are falling into substance abuse. This not only destroys their own lives but also weakens the social fabric of our society. Families suffer, futures are lost, and communities are left dealing with long-term damage.
This problem is not just about law enforcement. It is caused by many factors such as easy availability of drugs, unemployment, stress, peer pressure, and lack of awareness. What often starts as curiosity or experimentation quickly turns into addiction. The most worrying part is that in some places, drug use is slowly becoming normal, making it even harder to control.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched a focused 100-day anti-drug campaign. This is a timely and important step. The campaign aims to bring together government departments, institutions, and communities to fight drug abuse through awareness, prevention, strict action, and rehabilitation. It clearly shows that the administration is serious about tackling this crisis.
However, the scale of the problem is too large for the government alone to handle. Every section of society must take responsibility.
Civil society has an important role to play. Organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) are already working at the grassroots level. They are organizing awareness programs in schools and higher secondary institutions to educate students about the dangers of drugs and to promote healthy lifestyles. Civil society can connect directly with people, speak their language, and build trust, making their efforts more effective.
Educational institutions must also step forward. Schools and colleges are not just for studies; they shape values and behavior. Regular awareness sessions, counseling, and open discussions can help students make better choices. At the same time, families must play their part.
Parents have a very important responsibility. They need to be more alert and involved in their children’s lives. It is the family that can notice early signs of trouble, changes in behavior, mood, or habits. This early stage is the best time to stop a child from falling into addiction. Unfortunately, many parents ignore these signs because they worry about what others will say. This fear of social stigma can be dangerous.
Parents must ask themselves a more important question: what if, God forbid, we lose our child to drugs? At that point, society will not matter. What will matter is the loss that can never be recovered. Instead of staying silent, parents must act early, talk openly, and seek help when needed. Awareness, courage, and timely action can save lives.
At the same time, it is important to understand that while praying or seeking blessings from religious elders for dua can bring emotional comfort and hope, drug addiction is a medical and psychological condition that requires proper treatment. There should be no hesitation in consulting doctors, counselors, or psychiatrists. Visiting a psychiatrist should not be seen as a taboo. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Psychiatric medicines are often life-saving drugs and must be treated with seriousness and responsibility. Most of these medicines fall under Schedule “H” category, which means they should only be sold with a valid prescription and under proper regulation. Drug inspectors must ensure strict implementation of these rules at chemist shops. At the same time, licensed chemists must follow the required protocols responsibly, but they should not stop supplying these medicines to genuine patients. Non-availability of essential psychiatric medicines can push patients toward unsafe alternatives or harmful substitutes, worsening the situation.
Similarly, Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) must be handled with strict professional supervision. The dosage should be administered and monitored by trained medical professionals. Providing tablets or doses for unsupervised use at home can lead to misuse and defeat the purpose of treatment. Proper monitoring, counseling, and medical guidance are essential to ensure recovery and prevent relapse.
If legally permissible, authorities should also consider telecasting a series of real and hard-hitting stories of drug addicts. Such short videos, based on true experiences, can have a powerful impact on young minds. It is important to understand that no one starts using drugs with the intention of becoming an addict. Most begin out of curiosity or experimentation, but many end up trapped in addiction. Showing the harsh realities and consequences can act as a strong deterrent and help prevent others from making the same mistake.
The role of the police in this fight deserves special appreciation. Jammu and Kashmir Police have been at the forefront of the anti-drug campaign, working tirelessly to break supply chains, arrest traffickers, and prevent the spread of narcotics across the region. Their consistent efforts, including raids, awareness drives, and coordination with other agencies, have sent a strong message that drug peddling will not be tolerated. At the same time, their community outreach programs have helped build trust and encourage people to come forward with information. This dual approach of strict enforcement and public engagement is crucial in tackling the drug menace, and their dedication remains a key pillar in the mission towards a drug-free Kashmir.
The drug problem is not limited to one area or group. It is a shared challenge. The government must continue strong action and policies, civil society must expand its outreach, schools must guide students, and families must stay vigilant. Most importantly, young people must support each other and make the right choices.
Jammu and Kashmir has always shown strength and unity in difficult times. Now is the time to use that strength again. With collective effort and determination, we can protect our youth and build a better future.
A drug-free Kashmir is not just a dream; it is an urgent need. And the time to act is now.
P.S.: Rebuttals, comments, and reasoned responses are welcome and may be shared at: imtiyazchashti@gmail.com