Srinagar: Chairman of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, raised serious concern over the alarming rise in drug addiction and unemployment among youth in Jammu and Kashmir, citing that nearly 22 lakh young people, around one-third of those aged 18 to 35, are currently unemployed, with clinical data showing that approximately 11% have used or are addicted to narcotics like heroin and tramadol.
Speaking at a student seminar titled Building a Drug-Free Kashmir – Role of Students and Society at Islamia Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, Mirwaiz described the situation as a “full-blown crisis” threatening the future of an entire generation. He said the spike in substance abuse, coupled with economic despair and delayed marriages, now averaging over 32 years for men, has led to widespread psychological and social distress among Kashmiri 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,” Mirwaiz cautioned.
While acknowledging the efforts of religious leaders, civil society, and families in raising awareness, he emphasized that the principal responsibility lies with the government. He criticised the administration for its failure to implement a coherent and urgent policy response despite mounting evidence of the growing crisis.
He urged Imams to speak from pulpits, and educational institutions to initiate proactive engagement with students. “Our mosques, schools, and homes must become centers of resistance against this scourge,” he said.
On the occasion, Renowned psychiatrist Dr Kausar Siddiq Pandit from SKIMS also addressed the gathering, urging students to recognise their role in resisting drug abuse and making informed, responsible choices.
The seminar was attended by students, teachers, scholars, and civil society members and featured detailed discussions and presentations on the need for a united response to the drug menace.
As part of the event, meritorious students were awarded for their exemplary efforts in spreading awareness and participating in the seminar. Muhammad Rameen of Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar secured the first position, followed by Zahra Aslam of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal, who bagged the second spot.
The third position was jointly awarded to three students: Maheen Khurshid from Nusrat-ul-Islam Trust, Anantnag; Ayan Ahmad Butt of Islamia High School, Botakadal; and Falak Nabi from Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal.
On the occasion, the 2025 Shaheed-e-Millat Edition of the magazine Nusrat-ul-Islam was also officially released. [KNT]
