Fight against drugs must continue

The intensified anti-drug campaign launched by Srinagar Police under the “War Against Drugs” initiative reflects a determined attempt to confront one of the most serious social challenges facing Kashmir today. The registration of 101 NDPS cases, arrest of 143 accused persons, and seizure of narcotics ranging from heroin and brown sugar to psychotropic substances indicate the alarming scale of the drug menace that has penetrated society, particularly among the youth. The crackdown demonstrates that law enforcement agencies are no longer limiting action to street-level peddlers alone. Financial investigations leading to the freezing of bank accounts, seizure of cash, attachment of properties worth over Rs 21 crore, and confiscation of vehicles used in drug trafficking reveal a more comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling the economic backbone of narcotics networks. Such measures are essential because drug cartels thrive on financial strength and organised supply chains. Equally important is the focus on preventive action. Cases registered against peddlers operating near educational institutions send a strong message that schools and colleges cannot be allowed to become hunting grounds for narcotics networks. The destruction of illegal poppy cultivation and inspections of chemist shops further underline the need for strict vigilance at every level. However, policing alone cannot eliminate the crisis. Drug addiction is also a social and psychological issue linked to unemployment, frustration, peer pressure and lack of awareness. The 210 awareness programmes conducted by police are therefore a welcome step, but they must evolve into a larger community movement involving families, teachers, religious leaders and civil society groups. The ongoing campaign has produced visible results, but the challenge is long-term. Kashmir’s future depends on protecting its younger generation from addiction, despair and criminal exploitation. The fight against drugs must remain relentless, coordinated and sustained.