Substance abuse no longer a concern -it’s a full blown crisis: Mirwaiz

• Urges collective action and serious government response

SRINAGAR: Chairman of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, while addressing a student seminar titled “Building a Drug-Free Kashmir – Role of Students and Society” at Islamia Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, expressed deep alarm at the rapidly escalating drug crisis in Jammu & Kashmir. He remarked that substance abuse is no longer merely a concern—it has turned into a full-blown crisis that is gravely endangering the lives and futures of Kashmiri youth.

Mirwaiz stressed that while the efforts of Imams, scholars, civil society members, and families are crucial in awareness and prevention, the primary responsibility rests with the government. He said the absence of a coherent and urgent policy response reflects serious governmental negligence, despite mounting evidence of a growing social catastrophe.Quoting recent data, Mirwaiz highlighted:

• Around 22 lakh young Kashmiris—nearly one-third of the 18–35 age group—are unemployed.
• One lakh graduates enter an already saturated job market each year.
• Clinical data and field studies show that approximately 11% of youth have experimented with or are addicted to narcotic substances—primarily opioids like tramadol and heroin.
• The average age of first marriage for men has now risen above 32, contributing further to psychological and social stress.

“If we do not act now—if we do not decisively address this knot of unemployment, frustration, and the easy availability of drugs—we risk losing an entire generation,” Mirwaiz cautioned.He also expressed concern on increasing availability of liquor in the region, particularly under the guise of tourism development.

“At a time when drug addiction is wreaking havoc on our youth, allowing alcohol to flow freely is not only irresponsible but dangerous. Mirwaiz said that the Govt Instead of protecting the physical and moral health of its citizens, it is abdicating its duty,” he said.Mirwaiz emphasized that the crisis should not be viewed solely through the lens of law enforcement, even as police ahas intensified their operations against the drug mafia.

“This is not just a law and order problem—it is a societal emergency,” he said. “What is required is a compassionate, all-of-society response: one that integrates education, awareness, rehabilitation, and community involvement.”He urged religious leaders to address the menace from the pulpit and encouraged educational institutions to proactively engage with students on the issue.

“Our mosques, schools, and homes must become centers of resistance against this scourge,” he said.On the occasion, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Kausar Siddiq Pandit from the valley’s premier medical institution SKIMS, in her address, made the students and the younger generation aware of their responsibilities in avoiding the crisis and addiction of drugs.

The seminar was attended by students, teachers, scholars, and civil society members. It featured insightful presentations and discussions on the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for collective and coordinated action to combat it.As part of the event, the following students were felicitated for their outstanding contributionsFirst Position was bagged by Muhammad Rameen, Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinaga while Second Position went to Zahra Aslam, Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal

Third Position was Jointly won by Maheen Khurshid, Nusrat-ul-Islam Trust, Anantnag; Ayan Ahmad Butt, Islamia High School, Botakadal; Falak Nabi, Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal