Stepping ahead a welcome move

For the first time, the government has moved a step forward to act against the drug peddlers by seizing their properties in a bid to eliminate the drug menace from society. The stringent action is much needed and imperative at a time when the consumption of drugs including the dangerous heroin has increased in Jammu and Kashmir. A survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir recently has claimed that Rs 9 lakh worth heroin is being consumed in Kashmir every month. The figures are quite disturbing as it shows how the people are getting addicted to the drugs like heroin in the Valley at a rapid pace. As such, the government has taken a step forward and started a procedure to seize the property of the drug dealers, which is a positive move and can help in large extent to reduce the drug dealing that will simultaneously help in curbing the drug menace in the Valley. There is a need to speed up the procedure in this regard so that some of the properties raised illegally through illicit drug trade are attached or seized, which would help in creating fear among the drug dealers, who will possibly stop the illegal trade and help the society to live a normal life. Such a procedure could help in saving the precious lives of youngsters, who are getting addicted to the drugs like heroin in Kashmir. The government should not delay the procedure any further and ensure that all the people involved in drug dealing are taken to the task.