Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 17: The drug addiction among the youngsters in Kashmir is emerging as a major concern for the entire society.
Experts are of the opinion that the substance abuse could be one of the reasons for young people dying of heart attacks in the Valley. “The drug addiction is at its peak. It’s unfortunate that the substances that can be abused by the youngsters are easily available in the open market. This needs to be checked. Nothing can be done till stern action is taken against the drug peddlers and the drug dealers,” an expert told Precious Kashmir.
He said, “As a society we have to wake up and ascertain the reasons for youngsters getting pushed towards substance abuse. In the recent past we have had a few cases about youth after getting intoxicated losing senses and indulging in altercations. In a few cases the situation has taken an ugly turn which has even led to murders.”
It’s in place to mention here that the government with the help of police and army has set up many drug de-addiction centers across J&K. These centers have helped many youth to give up addiction and return to their normal lives. “This problem has to be nipped in the bud. A system needs to be put in place to ensure that the drug peddlers are kept away from the educational institutions and the places that are thronged by the young people,” said an observer.
He said that police should constitute special squads in plain clothes to get hold of the people associated with the drug mafia. “This mafia has made inroads into our society and needs to be dealt with an iron fist. We can’t allow it to ruin our generation next,” the observer added.
He said, “Parents cannot just turn a blind eye towards their children. They have to make sure that they keep a strict vigil over the activities of their wards. They can’t allow their children to go astray.”
“Efforts can also be made at the mohalla level to check substance abuse. In many areas mohalla committees have constituted squads to keep a watch over drug peddlers. Law enforcing agencies have got an important role to play. These agencies know in and out of every criminal. Policemen are aware about who is doing what. They need to be empowered to deal with the people who are encouraging the drug addiction among the youth. All of us will have to put our act together if we want to get rid of this menace,” he added.
Substance abuse killing youngsters, causing heart attacks
