J&K's Battle Against Drugs: Time for Action is Now

The Escalating Crisis

The drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir is a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention and intervention. The challenges posed by the drug crisis are multi-faceted, impacting not only the physical health of individuals but also their mental well-being. Many young people are drawn into substance abuse due to a combination of peer pressure, unemployment, and a lack of recreational opportunities. The ripple effect is profound, with entire communities feeling the burden of addiction’s consequences.

Drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir has escalated into a severe crisis. A growing number of young people, especially in the Valley, are falling prey to heroin, opium, and prescription opioids. The consequences are devastating: health is deteriorating, families are torn apart, the economy suffers, and the social fabric is crumbling.

Staggering Statistics

• A 2022 study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Srinagar revealed a dramatic rise in substance abuse.
• By August 2023, a parliamentary committee estimated 1.35 million drug users in the region.
• Heroin is now the drug of choice for many, with almost 90% of cases treated in de-addiction centres involving heroin use.
• A 2019 study by AIIMS found over 25,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir inject drugs, with 70% sharing needles, drastically increasing the spread of infectious diseases.

The region’s weak healthcare infrastructure struggles to cope with the scale of this problem.

A Complex Battle

The battle against drugs is not one-dimensional—it requires coordinated efforts on all fronts, from law enforcement to public awareness.

Another aspect of this crisis is the cross-border drug trade. Jammu and Kashmir, being a border region, is particularly vulnerable to drug smuggling from neighboring countries. Smugglers exploit the region’s challenging terrain to bring drugs into the Valley, adding another layer of complexity to the fight against substance abuse. The government needs to strengthen border controls and enhance surveillance to cut off these illegal supply routes.

Authorities are acting, but it’s a complex battle. The District Level Committee for NCORD in J&K has developed strategies to combat substance abuse. Law enforcement agencies have registered 20 cases under the NDPS Act between April and August 2024, arresting 35 individuals and seizing 139 kg of heroin. Additionally, 82 kanals of wild cannabis have been destroyed. Despite these efforts, led by the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) established in 2020, the flow of heroin into the region persists.

Disrupting the Flow

Despite increased efforts to curb drug flow, it’s evident that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Collaboration with international agencies such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) could further enhance monitoring and interception capabilities along the borders. Such partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, training, and resource sharing, which are critical in dealing with drug cartels that operate across multiple jurisdictions.

The formation of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office in Srinagar is expected to play a key role in disrupting the flow of drugs, particularly along India’s vulnerable northwestern borders. The NCB now operates 30 zonal offices and 7 regional offices, expanding its reach across the country. The office works not only to intercept drugs but also to dismantle the criminal networks behind them, aiming to tackle the problem at its root.

Harnessing Technology

The integration of technology in combating drug abuse must also include comprehensive data collection and analysis. By using big data and AI, authorities can identify emerging trends in drug use and proactively address them. Predictive modeling could help pinpoint high-risk areas and populations, allowing for targeted interventions before the problem spirals out of control.

Technology is being harnessed to combat this menace. The launch of the MANAS helpline is a major step forward, involving the public through a toll-free number, web portal, mobile app, and integration with the Umang App, allowing citizens to report drug trafficking anonymously. It also supports those struggling with addiction by connecting them with rehabilitation services.

The role of district-level coordination is also vital, with regular, results-driven meetings ensuring that all agencies, particularly the state police, are aligned in their efforts. Cooperation is essential, with agencies urged to adopt a ‘Duty to Share’ approach, fostering seamless information exchange instead of the guarded ‘Need to Know’ mindset. The MAPDRUGS portal and mobile app, in collaboration with BISAG-N, provide precise GIS data to target and destroy illegal cultivation sites effectively.

New Government’s Top Priority

The newly elected government in Jammu and Kashmir must prioritize drug addiction. The fight against drugs requires law enforcement, technological innovations, and community engagement. New measures are in place, but they are insufficient. More de-addiction centres must be established, and outreach programmes need expansion, involving religious and community leaders to spread awareness. Engaging youth through sports and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle is also essential.

Public awareness campaigns must be prioritized as part of the government’s strategy. The stigma associated with drug addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help. By collaborating with NGOs, local influencers, and the media, the government can help destigmatize addiction and encourage more people to seek treatment. Additionally, integrating drug education into school curriculums can educate young people early on about the dangers of drug use.

Mission Youth: A Path Forward

Youth are at the center of this fight, and we must equip them with the tools and opportunities they need to resist the lure of drugs and lead fulfilling lives.

The role of the education system is crucial in this fight. Schools and colleges must establish counseling services that provide students with a safe space to discuss their issues and seek guidance. Teachers and staff should be trained to recognize early signs of substance abuse and intervene effectively. Vocational training programs, in collaboration with industries, can also offer students a viable career path, reducing the allure of drugs as a means of escape.

Given the vulnerability of youth to drug abuse, increased vigilance around schools, colleges, and other high-risk areas is crucial. Immediate action against drug traffickers can prevent young people from falling into addiction. Expanding de-addiction facilities and offering long-term rehabilitation support are vital to addressing the root causes of substance abuse.

Collaboration with departments like Social Welfare, Mission Youth, and RDD is essential to provide comprehensive support. Encouraging community involvement through a reward system for information on drug traffickers can motivate people to contribute meaningfully to law enforcement efforts.

The Time for Action is Now

The path forward is clear: the government, law enforcement, and the community must work together. Addressing root causes, enhancing treatment options, and preventing drug trafficking are key. The time for action is now—Jammu and Kashmir’s future depends on it.

Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development​.