Anantnag, Feb 15: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary on Saturday said that while there has been ongoing discussion about banning liquor, the more pressing concern is the rising menace of heroin (Chitta) and other drugs, which must be curbed to protect future generations.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag after a meeting with MLAs and officers, Choudhary said that the newly formed government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is focused on addressing the people’s long-standing grievances.
“As you have seen, all the MLAs and our former Minister, Mir Sahib (Ghulam Ahmad Mir), were also present at the meeting. Over the past six years—and if we go back another decade—many issues have emerged, and the people have not been heard. Their problems have only multiplied,” he said.
He said that the meeting was not about the budget but rather a routine gathering where public grievances were discussed, and immediate decisions were taken on various matters.
“The MLAs presented the grievances of the people, and since all the relevant officers were present under one roof, decisions were made on the spot. It was a very productive meeting. The Deputy Commissioner here has a good reputation among the people, and the MLAs are working with the same spirit. We are here to fulfill the promises made by Omar Abdullah’s government during the elections,” he added.
Choudhary said there are several key areas of development that were discussed, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, horticulture, and agriculture—sectors that form the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. He also praised the achievements of Kashmiri youth in sports at national and international levels.
“We have appreciated officers who have done commendable work, while those who have not performed well have been reminded that the system has changed, the government has changed. They need to move beyond the previous ways and work for the people,” he said.
On the issue of growing demand on liquor ban, the Deputy CM said that while the ban on alcohol has been widely discussed, the real threat to Jammu and Kashmir is the growing drug problem, particularly heroin.
“The ban on alcohol is fine, and we all have been saying so, but today, the biggest issue for Jammu and Kashmir is Chitta (heroin) and other drugs. I urge the media, as you play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, to raise awareness and help stop drug abuse. Our generations are at risk. Drugs have started reaching our homes,” he warned.
He called for stricter law enforcement and urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Director General of Police to take decisive action.
“We will request the LG to strengthen police efforts and the DGP to work closely with the public to eliminate Chitta. This drug is a disease that is destroying our youth. Jammu and Kashmir was once free from such vices, which makes this issue even more alarming. Drug addiction, in any form, must be eradicated,” he added.
When asked about the issue of statehood, Choudhary assured that it remains a top priority.
“This statehood belongs to you, to them, and to us. That is why, as soon as our government was formed, in our very first cabinet meeting, we fulfilled Omar Abdullah’s promise and passed a resolution, which is now with the central government. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have given their assurances that Jammu and Kashmir’s land and employment opportunities will not be given to outsiders. We will restore statehood as soon as possible. The issue of our special status is also on our agenda because we want to protect our land and secure the future of our youth,” he added.
