“Inside Kashmir’s Silent Crisis: Battling an Alarming Surge in Drug Addiction”
On a rainy morning in May, a poignant scene unfolds outside a drug rehabilitation center in Srinagar, Kashmir. Dozens of young men, some barely out of their teens, stand patiently in line with their anxious parents. They await their turn at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), seeking relief from the grip of addiction. Inside, a doctor gently probes, “Did you take heroin again?” A young man, his eyes betraying guilt, admits, “Yes, I couldn’t control myself.”
This heartbreaking tableau reflects a deeper crisis gripping Kashmir amidst its tumultuous history of conflict. The region, fiercely contested by India and Pakistan, has long borne the scars of insurgency and political unrest. Now, amidst this backdrop, a new menace looms large: drug addiction. Officials warn of a dramatic surge in substance abuse, particularly heroin, with nearly a million people reportedly affected.
Dr. Yasir Rather, a psychiatrist at IMHANS, paints a grim picture: “A decade ago, we saw 10-15 cases of addiction daily. Today, it’s 150-200. This is alarming.” The reasons are manifold—unemployment, psychological trauma from conflict, and easy availability of narcotics smuggled from neighboring regions. Authorities allege links to funding of militancy, exacerbating tensions.
Yet amidst the despair, there are efforts to heal. The government has initiated Addiction Treatment Facility Centres (ATFCs) across districts, offering counseling and medication. But with only two public rehabilitation centers in Srinagar, the capacity falls short. At IMHANS, overwhelmed doctors and counselors strive to help, witnessing tales of shattered lives and fragile hopes. Patients like Danish Nazir, determined to reclaim his future, speak of redemption amidst struggle: “This poison will destroy you,” he warns, urging others to seek help and defy addiction’s grip.
Amidst stringent enforcement and societal stigma, the battle against drugs in Kashmir is as much about healing wounds as breaking chains. It’s a call for compassion, resilience, and collective action—a plea to save lives and rebuild futures amidst the storm.
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Author:- Apoorva Arora