Srinagar, July 17: Drug addiction in Kashmir is increasing at an alarming rate with 22 percent graduates, 6 percent post graduates and over 2 percent PhD holders involved in it, a pilot study by a non-governmental organization has revealed.
 The study conducted by ‘Concerned About Universal Social Empowerment’ (CAUSE) states that north Kashmir’s Baramulla district leads the tally of drug addicts while as their number is increasing in south Kashmir’s Shopian and Anantnag (Islamabad) district followed by capital city of Srinagar.
 The pilot study, according to the observers, is just the tip of an iceberg. “We have not conducted a full-fledged study. But the pilot study reveals the shocking figures. In our pilot study we took a sample of 610 students. Near about 22 percent graduates, 6 percent post graduates and over 2 percent PhD holders have been found involved in drug addiction,” President CAUSE, Mir Zubair Rashid, told Greater Kashmir.
 Zubair said the pilot study was based on random stratified sampling and undertaken in two villages in each Tehsil of Kashmir. “The methodology of the pilot study was recommended by United Nations Drug Control Agency. While collecting samples the researchers were in close touch with medical officers of concerned Tehsil or town,” he said, adding that Shopian and Sopore are figuring on the second number.
 In reaction to the pilot study, CAUSE in collaboration with the department of Masters in Social Work Tuesday held a seminar titled ‘Drug Addiction - lest we lose another generation’ at Centre for Kashmir Studies, University of Kashmir. In the seminar, experts from the fields of medicine, media and social studies talked about the remedial measures against the “alarming rate” of drug addiction in Kashmir.
 Head, Department of MSW, Dr Peerzada Muhammad Amin said the failure of social institutions in delivering their responsibility is the main reason for the drug addiction in Kashmir. “Failure of social institutions is the main reason why people particularly youth are taking to drugs. They are disappointed by the system hence become drug addicts,” he said. “The only way it can be stopped is that various agencies have to play an active role and deliver what they are supposed to deliver. An individual has also a changing role in contributing to a drug-free society and youth are a key to that.”
 Dr Waqar, psychiatrist and member of CAUSE, said the two decade old conflict in Kashmir is the main reason for increasing drug addiction. “The turmoil of more than two decades is to some extent responsible for use of drugs among Kashmiri youth. Now shying away from the problem is not a solution but individuals have to tackle the problem boldly,” he said.   
 Journalist Peerzada Aashiq said the lack of moral education in the educational institutions was driving youth to drugs. “Emphasis should be put on moral education in schools and in a way making students imbibe cultural values,” he said.
 “Narrating stories from the lives of drug addicts is necessary as a tool for social awakening. The department of MSW ought to conduct more in-depth surveys to get factual data of various aspects of drug addiction,” Aashiq said.
 President, CAUSE, Mir Zubair Rashid said the NGO would undertake a holistic and comprehensive study to find hidden elements of the drug addiction in Kashmir. “CAUSE would organize series of awareness programmes in different districts of the state and undertake a study,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST