Fighting the menace

Drug abuse is a problem faced all over India, J&K being no exception. The most vulnerable category is the youth of age group of 18-35 years. Its spread is in young women as well, which is more dangerous. New drugs are being introduced in the market by the criminal elements. Its trafficking has created havoc in the society, destroying the young generation.

Kashmir, a land of saints continues to witness this problem. The police have recently arrested drug peddlers and recovered huge quantities of contraband drugs and substances like fukki, ganja, charas and bhung from them. The drug barons, however, often take undue advantage of the lacunae in relevant laws, that control illicit trade of drugs, and evade conviction.

It needs a fresh look by experts to make these laws more effective and result oriented. The crop that fnally yields illegal drugs is growing in various pockets of valley. Negligence on our part will turn the valley into a hell. The common people need to turn conscious about the problem, making themselves aware about harmful effects of drug abuse.

In view of the gravity of the situation all of us, irrespective of status and profession, must join hands to fight this monster. The religious leaders, educational institutions and the media, all have a great role to further the movement against the growing menace of drug abuse.

In 2009 the Board of School Education (BOSE) had a proposal to highlight the ill effect of drug abuse on front pages of their publications, as part of awareness campaign to defeat the menace. But the proposal has not seen the light of the day so far.

It is shocking to know that some educational institutions have become affected. The hostels of these institutions are believed to be safe havens for drug addicts. Nevertheless, it cannot be overlooked that students living away from the gaze of their parents easily fall victims of drug habit as a result of persuasion by hostel-mates. There should be strict supervision of students by guardians, caretakers and wardens, especially the students lodged in hostels in large cities and towns.

In this regard parents have extraordinary duty. The family is the best bullwark against drug abuse. Then comes the responsibility of teachers who should discuss the dangers of drug abuse and point out the consequences. To control the menace some important measures are necessary to be taken.

• Stop the cultivation of drug producing crops.
• Undertake mass media campaign against the abuse.
• Highlight ill effects of drug abuse.
• Volunteerism needed to be encouraged to check the spread of drug menace.
• Drug addicts should be treated as a part of society and never treated as outcast.

However, it would be injustice to ignore the fact that our youth have immense potential. If they are given positive direction and an opportunity to participate in the movement against the evils like drug abuse, they can handle the situation. It cannot, however, be denied that an individual cannot exist alone. He needs a society to thrive, and he has duties towards that society. Life is is more about  duties than to live for oneself. Let all of us chip in and eradicate the menace completely.