Drug addiction in J&K sparks heated debate in Assembly

Srinagar, Oct 28: The growing menace of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday triggered an intense and emotional debate in the Legislative Assembly, with lawmakers across party lines describing it as a “national crisis” that demands urgent, coordinated action.

BJP MLAs went further, calling it a “terror tactic” sponsored from across the border, while others demanded regulation of private rehabilitation centres, greater accountability from enforcement agencies, and community-led prevention campaigns.

Responding to a question by MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia, the Health Minister Sakina Itoo admitted that while significant steps had been taken in the past year, “the work that should have been done has not happened fully.”

She said the government had operationalised several de-addiction centres under the Health Department, but acknowledged that a comprehensive response involving education, Police, and families was still lacking.

She said directions had been issued to the Health and Education Departments to strengthen coordination and expand awareness campaigns.

“Heads of all educational institutions have been instructed to install CCTV cameras in and around campuses and to conduct regular awareness sessions involving parents and students,” she said. “NGOs have been asked to identify vulnerable students and coordinate with local police and health officials.”

The minister also announced that the government had ordered fee regulation for rehabilitation centres to make treatment affordable and prevent exploitation.

“Many private NGOs charge exorbitant amounts. A regulatory framework is being put in place to ensure transparency and accessibility,” she said.

Minister Sakina Itoo said that drug addiction was eating into the social fabric of J&K and that government departments must “move beyond paperwork.”

She stressed the need for direct engagement with parents. “The Health Department has done some work, but families must play a front-line role. The addiction must be stopped at its roots,” she said.

MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia suggested that schools hold daily morning lectures on drug prevention.

“Every student must hear about this menace every day,” he said.

The minister responded that awareness was already a part of the curriculum under the New Education Policy, but said she was open to additional steps.

Speaker of the Assembly appreciated the government’s ongoing efforts but said the situation demanded “far more serious and result-oriented action.”

The discussion turned sharper when BJP MLA Narender Singh described drug addiction as “not just a social problem, but terrorism.”

He said, “Pakistan is flooding our youth with narcotics. Its own consumption is minimal, but its aim is to destroy future generations here. This is a war – an attack through addiction - and we must respond with the same seriousness.” Several MLAs echoed the sentiment, urging a joint front between security agencies and social institutions.

Shafi said, “We must attack the supply chain, not just treat victims. Rehabilitation alone is not enough – eradication is the goal.”

NC’s Tanvir Sadiq proposed compulsory teacher training to help identify and counsel students showing signs of drug use.

“Schools must be the first line of defence. Teachers can detect early behavioural changes before it’s too late,” he said.

Rameshwar raised concerns over alleged administrative negligence, saying, “Even a child knows where the drugs come from, yet the police often look away. The trade thrives under the noses of officers – accountability must start from the top.”

MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) demanded stronger community policing and neighbourhood vigilance.

“This is not just a law enforcement issue – it’s everyone’s fight,” he said. The minister concluded by assuring that the government would intensify coordination between the Health, Education, and Home Departments and that enforcement against traffickers would be strengthened.

She praised NGOs working in the field but admitted gaps remained.

“The fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone – it needs schools, parents, and society to come together,” she said.