Srinagar, Jan 3 (JKNS): Terming drug addiction as one of the most serious social challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday called for a collective and sustained fight against the growing menace, warning that the problem has escalated at an alarming pace, particularly among the youth.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a one-day orientation programme organised by the District Administration Srinagar at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Rainawari, the Divisional Commissioner Garg as per news agency JKNS said the government has launched an extensive and large-scale anti-drug awareness campaign across the Union Territory, which is being closely monitored at the highest level.
“As per news agency JKNS, Div Com Garg said a very big awareness campaign is underway in J&K and the Chief Secretary himself is personally supervising it. The focus is on prevention, early intervention and building awareness at every level of society,” he said.
He said institutions like IMHANS are playing a crucial role in strengthening the campaign by training counsellors across health and educational institutions. “Five-day training programmes are being organised to equip counsellors with skills to identify, guide and support those vulnerable to addiction,” he said, adding that a strong support network is being created for effective de-addiction efforts.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, Garg said religious leaders, especially imams and scholars in Srinagar, are being actively involved to spread awareness and counter the stigma associated with addiction. “We are making sincere efforts to involve all religious leaders so that the message reaches every household. They have already contributed significantly, and we are giving fresh momentum to this movement,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner said helpline numbers of IMHANS are being widely circulated and volunteers are being trained to respond effectively to distress calls. “People who reach out are continuously supported, and these orientation programmes help us improve the quality of assistance,” he added.
Expressing grave concern over the rising trend of substance abuse, Garg said drug addiction has grown nearly three times over the last three to three-and-a-half years. “This is a major warning signal. The rapid rise in cases shows how serious the situation has become,” he said.
He particularly flagged the growing involvement of youth, saying young people studying in schools, coaching centres and colleges are increasingly falling prey to addiction. “Heroin consumption is rising sharply among the youth, which is deeply worrying and poses a serious threat to society,” he added.
Calling for collective responsibility, the Divisional Commissioner said the fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone. “As a society, we all must come together. Social, religious and educational institutions have a vital role to play. The government’s health, social welfare and district administration machinery is available round-the-clock to support those battling addiction,” he said.
He also informed that similar training and awareness programmes will be extended to all districts of Kashmir in the coming days to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive drug-free campaign across the Valley. (JKNS)
