Zero mercy approach

The ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukht Abhiyan in Jammu and Kashmir comes with a message that leaves little room for ambiguity, i.e. zero tolerance, zero mercy for those involved in drug trafficking. The warning issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, is both timely and necessary, reflecting the gravity of a crisis that has steadily seeped into the social fabric of the region. Drug abuse is no longer a peripheral concern but a growing public health and law-and-order challenge. The involvement of youth, the rise in synthetic substances, and the nexus between local peddlers and larger networks demand a response that is firm, coordinated, and sustained. A strong enforcement message, therefore, serves as an essential deterrent, signaling that the state is prepared to act decisively against those who profit from addiction and despair. However, enforcement alone cannot win this battle. The success of the 100-day Abhiyaan will depend equally on prevention, rehabilitation and community participation. Families, educational institutions, religious bodies, and civil society must step forward to create awareness and support those struggling with addiction. The stigma surrounding substance abuse often prevents timely intervention, making it imperative to treat addiction as a health issue alongside a criminal one. Rehabilitation infrastructure must also be strengthened to ensure that those seeking to break free from addiction are not left without support. Skill development and employment opportunities can further play a crucial role in reintegrating recovering individuals into society. The “zero tolerance, zero mercy” approach may set the tone, but its true impact will be measured by how effectively it is balanced with compassion and long-term strategies. Only a comprehensive, society-wide effort can ensure that Jammu and Kashmir moves closer to becoming truly “Nasha Mukht.”