The overlooked drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir has become a rapidly escalating concern that continues to devastate its youth. Over the last four years, substance abuse, particularly heroin, has gripped the region with alarming intensity. According to estimates, 13.5 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified as drug users, amounting to nearly 10.8% of the population. This is significantly higher than the national average of 2.06%, underscoring the severity of the problem.
The Drug Crisis in Numbers
Law enforcement agencies have responded to this burgeoning issue with crackdowns, resulting in over 9,400 arrests related to drug offenses between 2020 and 2024. Yet, despite their efforts, the scale of the problem continues to grow. Heroin, the most commonly abused drug in the region, has seen steadily increasing seizures year after year. In 2020, authorities confiscated 128 kg of heroin, and this figure rose to 198 kg in 2021. By 2022, the amount had climbed to 212 kg, and in the first six months of 2023, over 200 kg of heroin was recovered. The total street value of heroin seized during this period is estimated to be around Rs 30,000 crore, a staggering figure that points to the profitability and prevalence of the illegal drug trade in the region.
However, these statistics only tell part of the story. The actual number of drug users is likely much higher, given that many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of legal repercussions, and limited access to healthcare services. A 2019 study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) estimated that over 6 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir were dependent on opioids, which include heroin. Of these, nearly 90% were injecting drug users—a practice that poses heightened risks of spreading diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Political Silence and Neglect
Despite the gravity of the situation, the ongoing Assembly elections have seen little to no discussion of the drug crisis by major political parties. Conversations about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood dominate political discourse, overshadowing pressing social issues such as drug addiction. Political parties like the Congress, National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have all failed to prioritize drug abuse in their election campaigns, focusing instead on constitutional grievances.
This neglect has led to widespread frustration among the populace. Khurshid Alam, a former PDP legislator, acknowledged the severity of the drug problem but argued that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status took precedence. He stated, “The drug menace and its eradication is very much in our priorities. However, these elections are being held after more than a decade, during which Jammu and Kashmir lost its identity and status. We have to address this first.” While Alam’s statement highlights the broader political challenges in the region, it also illustrates the lack of urgency among politicians to tackle the drug crisis head-on.
This silence is troubling, as it sends a message that the region’s political leadership is not in tune with the daily struggles of its citizens, particularly the younger generation that is most affected by the drug epidemic. The current political climate, fixated on constitutional debates, offers little in terms of actionable solutions to combat this growing threat.
The Heroin Epidemic
Heroin has become the drug of choice for many in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among unemployed youth. It is both affordable and highly addictive, making it a preferred substance for those struggling with economic instability and psychological stress. The rise in heroin use has been exacerbated by its easy availability due to the region’s proximity to the “Golden Crescent”—a notorious drug-trafficking route that spans Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Drugs, especially heroin, are smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir through porous borders, fueling the addiction crisis.
The problem is compounded by the fact that Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle the scale of drug addiction in the region. There are only a handful of rehabilitation centers, and those that do exist are often underfunded, understaffed, and lack the resources to provide comprehensive treatment to addicts. Additionally, the social stigma associated with drug addiction means that many individuals do not seek the help they need, further perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
Social and Economic Impact
The drug epidemic has far-reaching consequences for the region’s social fabric. Families are torn apart by addiction, and communities are left to grapple with the fallout of drug-related crimes. Substance abuse has been linked to a rise in theft, violence, and other criminal activities, putting additional strain on law enforcement and the judicial system.
Economically, the drug crisis is equally devastating. Many addicts are young people in their prime working years, and their inability to contribute to the economy leads to a loss of productivity. Moreover, the healthcare costs associated with treating addiction, along with the criminal justice expenses related to prosecuting drug offenses, place a significant burden on the state’s resources.
Missed Opportunity for Reform
The ongoing Assembly elections present a unique opportunity for political parties to make drug addiction a central issue in their campaigns. Yet, this opportunity is being missed. By focusing solely on long-standing political debates, the current election cycle has failed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the region.
Political parties could have used this platform to engage with voters on how they plan to combat drug addiction through long-term solutions like education, rehabilitation, and stricter law enforcement. Addressing the drug problem could win the trust of the electorate, particularly the younger generation, which is most vulnerable to addiction. However, by neglecting this issue, political leaders risk further alienating a population that is desperate for solutions to their real-world problems.
The Role of Civil Society and Religious Leaders
In the absence of strong political leadership, civil society and religious organizations have stepped in to fill the void. Several NGOs have been working on the ground to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and to provide support to affected families. These organizations play a critical role in bridging the gap between addicts and the limited rehabilitation services available in the region.
Religious leaders, too, have taken up the cause, using their platforms to speak out against drug abuse. In a region where religion plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, the involvement of religious leaders in anti-drug campaigns has been instrumental in changing perceptions about addiction.
Prioritizing People Over Politics
The drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir can no longer be ignored. While constitutional debates over special status and statehood are undoubtedly important, they should not overshadow the immediate needs of the region’s citizens. The drug crisis is tearing apart families, destroying communities, and threatening the future of an entire generation.
Political leaders must step up and demonstrate that they are capable of prioritizing the well-being of their people over political rhetoric. Addressing the drug epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach, involving law enforcement, healthcare, education, and social services. The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on political leaders recognizing the severity of this issue and taking swift, decisive action to combat it.
By prioritizing the eradication of drug addiction, political parties can not only save lives but also win the trust and support of the electorate. Now is the time for leaders to prove that they are willing to put people over politics and take meaningful steps to address the drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir.