Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Sept 23: The growth of cannabis along Jhelum embankments in South Kashmir’s Pampore area has become a nuisance for locals, as it not only attracts drug addicts from different areas of the Valley but also increases the vulnerability of the local youth.
People lamented that the government’s unwillingness to remove cannabis in Pampore casts doubt on its claims of combating the growing drug addiction in the Valley. Locals are concerned about the spread of cannabis, as these areas have become safe havens for drug addicts, and people frequently see drug addicts plucking cannabis from several locations along the Jhelum embankments.
“We frequently see drug addicts picking cannabis from the embankments. Administration should increase vigil along the embankments to keep addicts in check because they can harm people,” Mohammad Shafi said, a resident said.
Despite government’s claims of increased fight against drug menace, locals said that cannabis growth is unchecked along Jhelum, which runs through the town. The easy availability of these prohibited herbs has prompted many people; particularly those living near the river, to engage in this illegal trade. “They process the plant and then secretly sell it. This act is going unnoticed by the administration,” another local said.
Locals said that the situation is deteriorating day by day as more local youth become involved in the menace. “Previously, people from other parts of the Valley would be frequently spotted in the places, but now local youth, who are not only consuming drugs themselves but also selling them to others, have also joined them,” another local said.
They said that the area behind the Entrepreneurship Development Institute is the most severely affected, with people traveling from all over the Valley to pluck cannabis. They said they had seen addicts rubbing pant with their hands frequently and had even requested the authorities to carry out a destruction drive, but nothing has been done so far.
“Residents have tried to remove the plants several times, but it has grown back after some time. The authorities should clear the embankments because addicts pose a threat to people, particularly women,” he said.
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