Srinagar, May 21: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has expressed concern over the rising drug menace.
“The growing number of drug addicts, mostly teenagers, in Kashmir is worrisome. We believe it is crucial for us as a society to express our collective concern to get rid of the drug menace,” the party spokesperson Waseem Yaqoob said in a statement. He urged the law enforcement agencies to act against drug peddlers on a war footing.
“This cancerous menace poses a grave threat to the future of our youth, and immediate action is required to address this issue effectively,” Waseem said, adding, “Data regarding drug usage in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) paints a distressing picture.”
As a responsible political party, we emphasize the importance of a multi-pronged approach to tackle this menace and urge the LG administration to take concrete steps to address the issue promptly, the spokesperson said, adding, “We request the administration to increase the number of rehabilitation centers dedicated to helping those affected by drug addiction. However, we emphasize the need for these centers to be closely monitored by designated officers to ensure their efficacy. It has come to our attention that some rehabilitation centers have failed to produce desirable results, and it is imperative that these lapses are rectified.”
In addition to rehabilitation centers, we advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive education programs in this regard in schools. “It is crucial to equip our young generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed choices and resist the allure of drugs. By providing proper information and raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, we can create a society that is better prepared to combat this issue,” he said.
The DPAP spokesperson appealed to the people to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. “Together, we can build a safer and drug-free environment for our communities,” he said.