J&K Facing Silent Epidemic of Drug Abuse, Urgent Action Needed Waheed Ur Rehman Para

Srinagar, June 26 : Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, has raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in drug addiction and mental health crises among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “silent epidemic” that demands immediate government intervention.
In a strong appeal to the Jammu and Kashmir government, Para highlighted that the Union Territory stands at a critical juncture. With 70% of the population under the age of 35 and India’s highest unemployment rate at 32%, the region’s youth are battling anxiety, despair, and uncertainty pushing many towards the menace of substance abuse.
Quoting official figures, Para said Over 5.4 lakh people are using opioids, 4.2 lakh consume alcohol, 1.7 lakh depend on sedatives, 1.4 lakh use cannabis, and 1.35 lakh are addicted to inhalants in J&K. What’s even more worrying is the sharp rise in the use of cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogens.”
He further pointed out that tobacco use in J&K stands at 20.8%, the sixth highest in India, and that suicides linked to substance abuse are steadily rising“We are witnessing the slow and devastating collapse of an entire generation,” he said.
Despite this grim situation, the MLA lamented that de-addiction and mental health services remain grossly inadequate, understaffed, and inaccessible to most people, especially the youth.Calling for immediate government action, Para appealed to the Jammu & Kashmir administration, including the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, to launch a comprehensive, time-bound action plan focusing on de-addiction, mental health support in educational institutions, and youth rehabilitation programs.“This crisis can no longer be ignored. The future of our youth and the stability of Jammu and Kashmir depend on urgent and decisive intervention,Para asserted.