Jammu and Kashmir Drug Abuse a Major Social and Law Order Challenge, Authorities Inform Parliament Panel

Drug abuse has emerged as a significant social, public health, and law-and-order challenge in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have informed a high-level Parliamentary panel. The menace, which is increasingly affecting the youth in both urban and rural areas, is reportedly driven by cross-border trafficking, psychological stress, and exposure to conflict situations.

Administration Highlights Contributing Factors to Drug Menace

According to details received by The Chenab Times, the Jammu and Kashmir administration presented its assessment of the growing drug problem to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs during its visit to the region. The panel had specifically inquired about the extent of drug abuse as a major challenge and the underlying reasons for its spread.

The administration detailed that in addition to the vulnerability to cross-border trafficking and infiltration routes for narcotic substances, psychological factors such as stress, trauma, social uncertainties, and emotional disturbances play a significant role in fostering addiction tendencies among susceptible individuals. These elements contribute to the increasing drug menace in the Union Territory.

Security Concerns Linked to Narcotics Trafficking

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the increased availability of narcotic drugs and synthetic substances, facilitated by organised trafficking networks and local peddlers, is a major concern. Furthermore, the use of narcotics trafficking as a means of illegal funding by organised criminal and anti-national elements poses serious security risks, exacerbating the drug problem in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Parliamentary panel was apprised that substance abuse has detrimental effects beyond physical and mental health. It has been linked to a rise in criminal activities, family disintegration, social instability, and economic distress among the youth in the Union Territory.

Several other factors contributing to increased vulnerability to drug abuse were identified. These include unemployment and economic distress, particularly among young people, peer influence, evolving social behaviour patterns, exposure through social media, insufficient awareness campaigns, weakening family supervision, and a societal reluctance to engage in early identification and intervention.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Multi-pronged Strategy

The Jammu and Kashmir administration stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy to tackle the drug menace. This strategy should encompass stringent law enforcement, intelligence-led anti-narcotics operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation services, educational interventions, and active community participation.

The Parliamentary committee, expressing deep concern over the escalating drug abuse, especially among the youth, recommended several key measures. These include strengthening intelligence-led operations targeting cross-border narcotics trafficking, enhancing inter-agency coordination among law enforcement bodies, educational institutions, health departments, and community organizations. The committee also called for the expansion of de-addiction and counselling facilities at the district level and intensifying awareness campaigns aimed at students, parents, and vulnerable communities.

The panel further advised that equal emphasis should be placed on prevention, early intervention, de-addiction, rehabilitation, and the social reintegration of individuals affected by substance abuse. The committee underscored the importance of continuous monitoring and periodic reviews of the anti-drug campaign to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure a sustained reduction in drug abuse across the Union Territory.