Jammu, Dec 13: Dr. Tahir Chowdhary, spokesperson and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating drug issue in Jammu and Kashmir during a press conference on Friday. He emphasized the need for immediate and collaborative action to address this crisis.
Joined by fellow BJP spokespersons Y V Sharma and Balbir Ram Rattan, Dr. Chowdhary acknowledged the significant measures undertaken by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and local law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.
“I commend the Lieutenant Governor and the administration for their ongoing efforts to tackle the drug trade. Reports indicate that over 6,500 cases have been filed and 9,424 individuals arrested for narcotics offenses since 2021, along with the seizure and destruction of nearly 8,000 kilograms of drugs,” he noted.
Despite these efforts, he highlighted that the issue continues to spread, now affecting rural communities throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
He remarked on the tragic consequences for families, especially parents who watch their children succumb to this crisis. “Previously, such challenges were limited to major cities, but now villages and small towns in Jammu and Kashmir are significantly impacted,” Dr. Chowdhary stated. He pointed out the troubling trend of school and college students falling prey to this menace.
Dr. Chowdhary called for a strategic response from the Jammu and Kashmir government, questioning the absence of a definitive plan or strategy from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s administration. “It has been two months since the government was formed, yet we have not witnessed any substantial initiatives or discussions aimed at tackling this pressing issue,” he remarked.
He urged for prioritization of awareness campaigns in educational institutions and suggested organizing sports events to positively engage the youth. “Sports can play a vital role in steering children away from drugs. Every district, village, and neighborhood should have sports leagues with active participation from local entities,” he recommended.
While praising law enforcement for capturing minor offenders, Dr. Chowdhary stressed the necessity of targeting the “kingpins” behind the drug trade. “The government and police need to concentrate on dismantling the major networks operating in the background. Simply arresting small-time offenders will not resolve the issue,” he stated.
He also highlighted the role of cross-border drug trafficking in financing terrorism. “Our neighboring country is heavily involved in pushing drugs into Jammu and Kashmir, and the proceeds often fund terror activities, further destabilizing the region,” Dr. Chowdhary pointed out.
He concluded by calling for a united effort among the government, law enforcement, and society. “We must collaborate to protect Jammu and Kashmir from this growing threat. The Chief Minister and his administration must seriously address this issue and lay out a clear roadmap. Only then can we envision a brighter future for our youth,” the senior leader concluded. (AGENCIES)
