Societal emergency in J&K

While the efforts are on eliminating the drug menace in the region, the startling revelation has come to the fore through the government response, stating that nearly 70,000 persons in Kashmir are involved in substance use, with an alarming 50,000 addicted to heroin. The figure is a stark reminder that the region faces not just a public health crisis, but a societal emergency. What is even more distressing is that the majority of those trapped in addiction are youth, the very demographic that should be shaping the future of the Valley. Heroin addiction is particularly destructive. It devastates physical and mental health, erodes family structures and fuels crime and economic distress. Behind every statistic lies a shattered household, anxious parents and a generation at risk of losing its potential. The rising prevalence of heroin points to deeper systemic issues: porous drug supply chains, peer pressure, unemployment, psychological stress and inadequate awareness. While the government has taken steps to curb drug trafficking and expand de-addiction facilities, enforcement alone cannot solve the crisis. A multi-pronged approach is urgently needed. Law enforcement agencies must intensify crackdowns on drug networks and ensure strict accountability. At the same time, healthcare infrastructure for rehabilitation must be expanded, modernised and made accessible without stigma. At this juncture, the schools, colleges and community institutions must launch sustained awareness campaigns. Religious and community leaders can play a crucial role in counselling and outreach. Kashmir has endured many challenges, but the drug menace threatens its social fabric from within. The figures are a wake-up call. Collective action by the government, civil society, families and the youth themselves is the only way to prevent an entire generation from slipping into the shadows of addiction.