Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 21: While calling for strict action, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that the raids and arrests “are not helping curb” the menace of drug abuse
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Speaking to reporters after attending the inaugural session of a day-long seminar on Drug-Free Kashmir at the Government College of Education (GCOE), MA Road, the Minister said there is a need to go beyond photo opportunities and identify the real culprits.
“There is a need for strict action against those elements who are spreading this menace. The raids and arrests have not helped in reaching the roots of this issue. Those who must be arrested are not being arrested,” she said.
The Minister added: “You are arresting small people who are involved in this. Photo shoots will not suffice. We have to reach the roots and identify those who are destroying our young generation.”
On the prevention and treatment aspects of the drug menace, Sakeena said that while the Government is working in this direction, a collective approach is essential to eradicate it.
“Once that is achieved, that will be the greater contribution. It cannot be achieved by me or the Government alone; there has to be a collective approach,” she said.
She further noted that before the Assembly elections, a committee comprising senior leaders of the National Conference had been formed to suggest a way forward. “That committee has submitted its report, and we are working on that,” she added.
Earlier, in her keynote address, Sakeena emphasized the urgent need for a unified front against substance abuse, stressing that every individual in society has a crucial role to play in eliminating this threat.
Highlighting the disturbing rise of drug addiction among youth, the Minister said that the Government cannot fight this societal hazard alone.
She pushed for coordinated efforts from religious leaders, families, civil society groups and other agencies to combat this social evil.
“A drug-free Jammu and Kashmir is not only the need of hour, it is a necessity for the survival and well-being of our future generations”, maintained Sakeena.
The Minister further said that the Government is keenly working towards combating this menace from society.
She added that drug de-addiction centres have been established in district headquarters to provide required support to individuals affected by drug addiction.
While commending the organisers and college for organising the seminar in this burning societal issue, the Minister asserted that this seminar should chalk out some actionable strategies needed for making Kashmir free of drug abuse, a challenge that continues to threaten our social and cultural fabric.
Among others, Joint Director Information Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari; Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges, Prof. Seema Naz; Principal Government Women’s College Srinagar, Principal GCOE Srinagar and other senior officers of district administration were present on the occasion.
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