Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sounds alarm over Drug Crisis in Kashmir
Srinagar, May 20 (KINS): Chairman of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, expressed grave concern over the rapidly escalating drug crisis in Jammu & Kashmir while addressing a student seminar titled “Building a Drug-Free Kashmir – Role of Students and Society” at Islamia Higher Secondary School, Srinagar.
Describing the issue as a full-blown crisis, the Mirwaiz warned that substance abuse is no longer just a social concern but a threat to the very future of Kashmir’s youth. “If we do not act now—if we do not decisively address this knot of unemployment, frustration, and the easy availability of drugs—we risk losing an entire generation,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging the role of Imams, scholars, civil society, and families in combating drug addiction, he emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the government. He criticized the lack of a structured and urgent policy response, calling it a sign of serious governmental negligence in the face of a growing societal catastrophe.
Mirwaiz urged religious leaders to raise the issue from the pulpit and called on educational institutions to engage directly with students. “Our mosques, schools, and homes must become centers of resistance against this scourge,” he stated.
Adding medical insight to the discussion, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Kausar Siddiq Pandit from SKIMS addressed the seminar, highlighting the psychological and societal consequences of drug addiction. She urged students to understand their role in resisting the pull of substance abuse and to help others do the same.
The seminar was attended by students, teachers, scholars, and civil society members, and featured insightful presentations and discussions focusing on the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors.(KINS)
