Drug menace serious challenge, need collective efforts to curb it: Speaker

Srinagar, Apr 29: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday described drug addiction as a “very serious issue” and said it poses a major threat to the future of the younger generation, calling for sustained and collective efforts to address the problem.
The Speaker said he had personally worked on the issue in the past and had chaired a committee constituted by his party to study the problem in detail.
“Drug is a very serious issue. I myself have worked on it and done extensive work. Our party had formed a committee with senior leaders, and I was the chairman,” Rather said.
He said the committee had undertaken research on the scale and dimensions of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir and prepared a detailed report highlighting the gravity of the situation.
“You will be surprised that millions of people are affected by drug addiction. We had documented the problem and also suggested measures to the government on how to deal with it,” he said, adding that the report had been made available publicly through the party’s website.
Rather said he was encouraged that the government has now begun taking steps to address the issue, adding that earlier initiatives, including research-based discussions, had also been held on the subject.
“I am happy that the government has started working on this issue. If sustained efforts are made, I hope we will be able to control this problem,” he said.
Referring to governance and administrative issues in the Union Territory, the Speaker said the resumption of the Durbar Move had brought renewed activity and connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir regions.
He said the movement of the civil secretariat between Jammu and Srinagar had earlier contributed to regional balance and public engagement.
“When the Durbar Move was not there, there was a sense of silence in the streets and markets. Now it has started again, and it has brought back activity and connectivity,” he said.
Rather also welcomed the launch of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat train service, saying it would significantly improve travel convenience, reduce journey time and strengthen connectivity between the two regions.
“This is a very big step. It will give people relief, comfort and easy communication between Jammu and Srinagar,” he said.
He added that improved transport connectivity, along with institutional and administrative measures, would contribute to strengthening ties and boosting economic activity in the Union Territory.
Responding to a question on the release of MLA Mehraj Malik, the Speaker said it was a positive development that public representatives return to their constituencies after legal processes, noting that elected representatives play an important role in voicing public concerns.
“Their return is important because people have trust in their representatives and approach them with their issues,” he said.
Rather said the overall developments, including administrative reforms, infrastructure connectivity and political processes, reflected ongoing changes in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at improving governance and public welfare. (KNS)