Mehbooba Mufti politicising drug abuse crisis: Sakina Itoo

Kulgam, Feb 23: Cabinet minister Sakina Itoo on Sunday challenged former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to present her track record on tackling drug abuse during her tenure. She asked how many bills the PDP chief had introduced in the Assembly on the issue and accused her of using the drug menace as a political tool to regain public trust.
Responding to People’s Democratic Party’s recent campaign on drug abuse and its plans to introduce a bill, Itoo said: “The issue of drugs was raised by Omar Abdullah’s party before the elections. Some party members even compiled a committee report over six months. And as far as the health department is concerned, we are already working on it, ensuring efforts in every district.”
The health and education minister said the ruling party is actively working with the police, district development commissioners and the health department to combat the growing drug menace in Jammu & Kashmir.
“PDP has nothing to offer. They are desperate to regain public trust after the mistakes they committed—whether it is about the state, our special status, development, power, or respect, all of which have suffered because of them,” she said.
Itoo accused the PDP of jumping from one issue to another in an attempt to stay politically relevant. “Sometimes they talk about drugs; sometimes they pick another issue. I ask former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti: What did she do for drug abuse prevention? How many bills did she bring to the Assembly? How many task forces did she form? Addressing these issues is our responsibility, and we are committed to it.”
Sakina said the Chief Minister has already reviewed the committee report on drug abuse prevention and that the government is taking concrete steps to tackle the crisis. “We have studied the report, and it is currently under process. We are determined to take every necessary step to save our youth from drug addiction,” she said.
When asked about the convention held in Kulgam by members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) under the banner of Justice and Development Front, Itoo welcomed their participation in mainstream politics. “It is a good thing. Everyone has the right to speak and form their own party. They should present their agenda. This is a positive step,” she said.
The minister said that if individuals who previously opposed political participation are now joining democratic discussions, it marks a significant change in the region. “There was a time when people were targeted for voting. Why are they now joining politics? If this is a change, then it is a welcome change,” she said.