Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 3: Describing drug addiction as a “major warning signal”, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday called for a united social response to tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse. He termed it one of the gravest social issues facing Jammu and Kashmir today.
Speaking at an Orientation-cum-Capacity Building Workshop for Masjid Imams and Religious Scholars held at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Rainawari, the Div Com said the problem has intensified rapidly, with cases of drug abuse having “tripled in the last three years”.
“Drug addiction has become a big problem for all of us. This issue has multiplied three times in the last three and a half years. This is alarming,” he said.
The programme, organised by the District Administration Srinagar, aimed at highlighting the pivotal role of religious scholars in creating awareness and eradicating the menace of drug abuse.
It was attended by over a hundred prominent Imams and Ulemas from across the Valley, besides senior officials, mental health experts and civil society members.
In his address, the Divisional Commissioner said the government has adopted a three-stage approach to fight substance abuse, with awareness campaigns, early identification of victims and professional counselling for rehabilitation.
He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, religious leaders, educators, parents and youth volunteers to build a coordinated network for early intervention and prevention.
“A massive awareness campaign is going on in J&K under the close monitoring of the Chief Secretary. Religious leaders have a huge influence in shaping public behaviour, and their participation is vital in spreading the message that drug consumption is not only prohibited in all religions but also destroys families and society,” he said.
Garg added that helpline numbers of de-addiction and counselling centres are being widely circulated to assist those seeking help and that similar training and awareness programmes will soon be extended to all districts of Kashmir.
“We are trying to involve all religious leaders of Srinagar in this fight so they can inform society about this problem. They have already been part of the campaign, but we are giving new energy to it,” he said.
The Div Com further pointed out that the administration is focusing on strengthening the community counselling network through five-day training sessions for counsellors across health and educational institutions. “Our goal is to make every section of society an active partner in building a drug-free Kashmir,” he said.
Expressing concern over the increasing involvement of youth, he said, “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.”
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour, termed the rising drug addiction a matter of “grave concern”. He called for collective efforts from all sections of society to uproot the menace.
The DC said the administration has rolled out a rehabilitation policy to bring back drug victims into the social fold and has strengthened deterrence measures to break the supply chain and crush drug peddling in the district.
“While the administration is taking strong measures to curb the supply and support rehabilitation, religious scholars and parents have a moral responsibility to play their part. Drug abuse not only destroys the life of an addict but also tears apart families,” Labroo said.
Medical experts, including Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan and Prof (Dr) Arshad Hussain, Head of Psychiatry, IMHANS-GMC Srinagar, spoke on the growing burden of substance use disorders in Kashmir and stressed the need for early intervention, stigma reduction, and community participation.
“Imams are trusted figures in our community, and their sermons can be powerful tools in prevention and awareness,” Prof Iffat said.
Earlier, mental health professionals delivered detailed presentations on the medical, psychological and social dimensions of drug abuse, highlighting existing policies, treatment protocols, and preventive services available in Kashmir.
They urged sustained, community-based awareness efforts and timely identification of symptoms to save lives.
The Divisional Commissioner appealed to citizens to view drug addiction as a shared social responsibility. “As a society, we must come together. Every parent, teacher, Imam and youth must be part of this movement. Only a collective effort can make Kashmir drug-free,” he said.
Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator GMC Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, Tehsildar Khanyar Syed Shahid, Tehsildar Waqf Board Ishtiyaq Ahmad and Nodal Officer ATF IMHANS Dr Arshid were among those present.
