A Collective Imperative
Kashmir’s lush valleys, long celebrated for their natural beauty, harbor a persistent threat: the wild growth of cannabis, or *bhang*. Historically, cannabis has thrived in the region’s fertile soil, with records from the 19th century noting its use in traditional practices. However, its modern transformation into a source of intoxicants has fueled a crisis, particularly among the youth. A heartfelt plea from a Kashmiri village underscores this menace, urging collective action to curb a plant that devastates lives through addiction. This is not just a policing issue but a societal challenge demanding unified resolve.
In the 1980s and 1990s, cannabis cultivation surged in parts of Kashmir, often linked to economic distress and conflict. Today, its easy availability continues to lure young people, with studies estimating that substance abuse, including cannabis, affects over 10% of the region’s youth. The consequences are stark: broken families, derailed futures, and communities in distress. While law enforcement has intensified efforts—destroying thousands of cannabis plants annually in districts like Anantnag and Pulwama—these measures alone fall short. The problem’s roots lie in poverty, lack of awareness, and limited opportunities, which drive vulnerable youth toward addiction.
The call for village and neighborhood committees is a pragmatic step forward. These grassroots bodies can monitor and destroy wild cannabis crops, fostering local ownership. Beyond eradication, they can spearhead awareness campaigns to educate families and offer vocational training to steer youth away from drugs. Historical efforts, like community-driven initiatives in the early 2000s, showed promise in reducing cannabis spread through collective vigilance. Reviving such models, supported by religious leaders, schools, and NGOs, could amplify impact.
The government must complement these efforts with rehabilitation programs and economic opportunities to address root causes. Kashmir’s youth, the region’s future, deserve better than the shadow of addiction. This fight is not just about uprooting a plant but about reclaiming lives. Let communities unite, drawing on past successes, to ensure a brighter, drug-free future for Kashmir—one where the sun shines on hope, not haze.
