Drug addiction on rise in Bandipora

Callous attitude of police, authorities responsible: Locals
Mir Tariq
Bandipora Feb14: The drug addiction is on rise in this North Kashmir district and hundreds of youth have fallen prey to this menace. The locals blame callous attitude of police and concerned authorities for the rise in drug addiction.
The number of youth taking drugs in Bandipora and its adjoining areas is increasing with each passing day. “The drug is easily available on medical shops. Even bakery shops have now been turned into drug distributing centres by drug peddlers and anti-social elements,” complained the residents.
The residents of areas like Kaloosa, Nusoo, Papchan, Naadihal, Brar, Wudar, Argam, Onagam, Quil, Sonarwani, Dachigam, Kehnusa, Aythmulla, Ajar, Kharpor, Nowpora, Madar, Bagh Wudar, Watapora and Aloosa complained that drug business is thriving in these areas. They alleged that police is watching as silent spectators and doing nothing to prevent this menace from taking alarming proportions.
“From past several years, the menace of drug addiction has witnessed manifold increase in Bandipora. This has all been possible due to irresponsible and callous attitude of authorities,” said Muhammad Arif Lone, 38.
Lone adds, “The negligent attitude of the law enforcing agency is helping the drug peddlers to spread their tentacles. Hundreds of people especially youth have fallen prey to the menace. Even some school children have been drawn into the web”.
A respected citizen, Dr Mehraj-ud-Din Hajni said various agencies and vested interests are promoting drug menace. “Under a well thought out conspiracy, our youth are being made drug addicts so that they can lose ‘real consciousnesses’. Several agencies from outside state appear to be active in propping up drug trade in Kashmir,” added Dr Hajni.
The residents claim that the narcotics trade has now become an established business in various parts of Bandipora. They allege that both men and women are actively involved in this trade.
Mostly pharmaceutical preparations (sedatives) are being used by drug addicts. “Though strict laws exist against sale of such drugs without prescriptions, the chemists sell these drugs to the addicts at exorbitant rates. They don’t realize that their quest for riches is pushing an entire generation into destruction,” said Ghulam Rasool of Kharpora.
The drug addicts belong to poor families and resort to even burglaries to purchase the drugs. “Some drug addicts looted donation boxes of mosques in Aloosa and Aythmulla while others are involved in timber smuggling. Some steal water pipes,” said Mushtaq Ahmad Wani of Aloosa.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Parvaiz Ahmed President Kashmir Social and Environmental Organization (KSEO) Bandipora said “Since past two years the number of drug addicts has gone up alarmingly. Most of the drug addicts are youth”.
He said that authorities should take necessary preventives measures to de-addict and rehabilitate the victims. “This is necessary to save the future generation,” he added .
People and KSEO president felt that police and Drug Control Department should rise to the occasion and deal stern with drug suppliers. “Police can help control this menace by acting against drug peddlers and drug suppliers,” they added.
Repeated attempts to contact officials of district dug control department proved futile.