Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today expressed concerned over growing drug and liquor abuse in Kashmir.
“Members from cross section of society have beeninforming me. I have been receiving large number of letters suggesting themenace of drug addiction is spreading far and wide in Srinagar and across thevalley especially among the youth including girls,” Mirwaiz saidaddressing Friday congregational gathering at Jamia Masjid here.
“Availability of drugs and its distribution has becomea well-organized trade in Kashmir, especially in Srinagar where during eveninghours, drug peddlers openly distribute drugs to distributors and youth atgraveyards, parks, playgrounds and anywhere. Kashmir’s young generation is fastfalling prey to this unchecked growing menace,” he said.
Elaborating he said “unfortunate part is that the drugpeddlers are targeting even school children and students in colleges anduniversities. Figures suggest that those affected are not in hundreds but inthousands including girls. Even professionals are falling prey toit.”
“If the situation continues to remain so, time is notfar when Kashmir will turn into India’s state of Punjab, where drug abuse ismost rampant,” he said.
Mirwaiz said that drug abuse is fast spreading in theDowntown areas of Srinagar. “It’s the primary responsibility of theparents to give time to their children and be aware of their activities, tohelp them keep away from drugs. Shahr-e-Khass areas especially those adjoiningMakhdoom Sahab are reportedly the hub of drug business as almost every daycomplaints about drug distribution pours in from this area,” he said urgingpeople residing in these areas to be vigilant.
Mirwaiz made a fervent appeal to parents, teachers, Ulema,Mohalla Committees and Masjid committees to “wake up to this reality andtake steps in this regard.”
“Easy money made available to children makes access todrugs easy for them. Parents have to take responsibility for this.
Law enforcing agencies have to step up and play their roleto curb drug abuse and take urgent measures to arrest those behind openlyindulging in its trade and distribution,” he said.
“People of the respective areas should extend fullcooperation and support to such drive. It is the primary responsibility of thestate administration to crack the whip on those involved in the drugdistribution and drug trade in Kashmir and ensure stern punishment to all thoseinvolved in this nexus,” Mirwaiz added.