Int’l Day Against Drug Abuse: Data Driven Waheed Para Warns of “Silent Epidemic” in J&K

Srinagar: Peoples’ Democratic Party leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed ur Rehman Parra has issued a compelling appeal to the Jammu & Kashmir government, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse with a stark warning about a deepening public health crisis in the region. Para described J&K as standing at a “critical juncture,” urging immediate and comprehensive intervention.

Para taking to ‘X’, highlighted the concerning convergence of a large youth population, 70% under 35, and India’s highest recorded unemployment rate of 32%. He expressed that these factors are fostering widespread feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and hopelessness among young people, significantly contributing to rising substance dependency.

Characterizing the situation as a “silent epidemic,” Para, according to Alfaaz – The Words, shared concerning data from the region, maintaining that over 5.4 lakh people using opioids, 4.2 lakh consuming alcohol, 1.7 lakh taking sedatives, 1.4 lakh using cannabis, and 1.35 lakh addicted to inhalants. He further noted troubling increases in the use of cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogens, alongside a tobacco use prevalence of 20.8%, the sixth highest in India.

The legislator emphasized the deeply troubling consequences, including a steady rise in suicides linked to substance abuse. He warned of witnessing the “slow, devastating collapse of an entire generation.”

Despite the scale of the challenge, Para observed that existing de-addiction and mental health support services remain significantly under-resourced, understaffed, and inaccessible for the vast majority of those needing help.

Earnestly appealing for action, Para directly addressed the Jammu & Kashmir Government, specifically from the Chief Minister’s office, urging the urgent launch of a comprehensive and time-bound initiative. He called for a focused effort on expanding accessible de-addiction services, providing dedicated mental health support for students, and establishing effective youth rehabilitation programs.