Terms it as a “major warning signal”, Calls for united fight; Says heroin use among youth rising

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Jan 03: Describing the drug addiction as a “major warning signal,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday called for a united response to tackle the growing menace. He termed it one of the gravest social issues that Jammu and Kashmir is facing today.

Speaking with reporters, Anshul Garg, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the problem has intensified rapidly and that the the issue has multiplied three times in the last three and a half years, which is alarming.

He said the government is expanding its anti-drug awareness campaign to involve all stakeholders, including religious leaders. “A very big awareness campaign is going on in J&K, and the Chief Secretary personally monitors it,” he said

He said that extensive programmes are being organised by IMHANS, in which counsellors are being trained across health and educational institutions. “Five-day training sessions are being held to build a strong network for early intervention and prevention.”

He added that all sections of society are joining hands in this effort. “We are trying to involve all religious leaders of Srinagar in this fight so that they can also inform society about this problem. They have already been a part of this campaign for a long time, but we are giving new energy to it,” he said.

The Divisional Commissioner said helpline numbers of IMHANS are being circulated widely to assist those seeking help. “We continuously support the callers who approach us. This training programme helps us enhance that assistance,” he added.

He said that in the future, similar training programmes will be held in all districts of Kashmir so that every stakeholder becomes part of this drug-free campaign.

He also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youth. “We have found that young people, whether in schools, coaching centres, or colleges are getting trapped in addiction. Heroin use, in particular, is rising. This is a serious concern for the entire society,” he said.

Calling for collective responsibility, Anshul Garg urged all social and religious institutions to actively contribute. “As a society, we all need to fight against this. We must encourage and support medical and counselling institutions working on de-addiction,” he said—(KNO)