‘Collective efforts must to save youth from drug addiction’

Srinagar, Mar 27: In a major concern, about 35,000 syringes are used to inject heroin by drug abusers in Kashmir every day, throwing a major challenge for the authorities to curb the menace of substance abuse.

The remarks were made by speakers during a drug de-addiction seminar organised by District Police Srinagar (Zone Hazratbal) at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) on Wednesday.

The drug de-addiction seminar was organised with an aim to create awareness among the young generation.

Speaking at the occasion, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hazratbal Hilal Khaliq Bhat said the girls would outshine boys in academics and were also excelling in sports activities “but in case of drug addiction, the situation was alarming as the number of female drug addicts is almost equal to those of male addicts.”

"Females are not far behind in drug addiction as well. They inhale paint, glue, remover, nail polish and also use shoe polish as a sandwich in bread. This has become a major concern for the society," SP Bhat said.

He further shared some first-hand experiences highlighting the societal pressure which causes hindrance for the parents to admit their kids for counselling after getting involved in addiction.

"If our kids are falling prey to addiction, we should not get obstructed by societal pressure and delay in getting him admitted to a drug de-addiction centre for counselling and other treatment. Life of your kids matters not the societal pressure," SP Hazratbal said.

Stating that J&K Police or health department cannot alone fight the menace of drug abuse, Bhat said that as law enforcing agency, J&K Police has started seizing illegal property of drug peddlers and the accused are booked under PIT NDPS.

"Teachers and parents have a pivotal role to prevent drug addiction by youth. A teacher can become the first counselor and guide the students properly. The parents have to keep a watch on their kids all the time. We should question our kids if they prefer isolation over spending time with family," he said.

Principal GVEI M D Zargar laid stress on collective efforts to curb the growing menace in the society.
Counseling psychologist of drug de-addiction centre Srinagar, Dr Abid Hussain in his address at the occasion shared his first hand experience of dealing with drug addicts.

"Around 35000 syringes are used per day by drug addicts to inject heroin," he said. Citing examples of how this addiction is affecting youth physically as well as financially, Dr Abid said they are presently treating a patient whose parents have died due to the shock of their kid getting involved in drug addiction.

On the occasion, a speech competition was also held wherein the students spoke about the ill-effects of substance abuse. The students shared some chilling incidents showing how the menace of drug addiction is targeting the young generation.

At the end, Syed Masoom Madina, Arshiya Baba and Sadiya Wani, the first three positions holders of the speech competition were felicitated with cash prize, memento and a certificate while other participants were rewarded with memento and certificates.

Chairman GVEI Muhammad Yousuf Wani, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Hazratbal Ashiq Hussain, SHO Zadibal Gowhar Ali, SHO Ahmadnagar Mudasir Ahmad and the staff members of the school were also present at the occasion.