A Growing Threat The picturesque valley of Kashmir, once known for its natural beauty and cultural richness, faces a complex problem: narco-terrorism. This insidious threat, fueled by illicit drug trade and terrorist activities, has significantly affected the social fabric, economy and security of the region.
The nexus between narcotics and terrorism in Kashmir is multifaceted. It was the ISI during General Zia-Ul-Haq's time were the first one to bring in the idea of investment in the power of drug addiction for money. Zia Haq push the pedal on increased production of opium in Pakistan and coordination network of money through illegal drug trade. Terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have found a lucrative source of funding in the drug trade. Revenues from the drug trade are used to purchase weapons, ammunition and logistical support for their operations. In addition, drug use among youth in Kashmir is associated with a decline in educational attainment, increased vulnerability to radicalization and willingness to engage in violent activities. The primary drug smuggling routes into Kashmir are through porous borders with Pakistan and China. Narcotics, including heroin, hashish and synthetic drugs, are smuggled across these borders in various guises, such as hidden in vehicles, livestock or even the bodies of smugglers.
In 2021 alone, local authorities reported the seizure of over 160 kilograms of heroin. A 2022 study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, in Srinagar, observed an “exponential rise” in substance abuse in the Kashmir Valley. On 4 August 2023, a parliamentary standing committee estimated that the union territory has around 1.35 million drug users. There has been a considerable rise in the drug addiction for last few years. The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Srinagar has experienced a staggering 1500% surge in patients seeking treatment for drug addiction over the past few years. This alarming trend underscores the escalating crisis of drug abuse in the region with severe neurological disturbances attributed to the drug addiction. Data from various sources show that 489 drug cases were recorded in 2016, which increased to 7,420 in 2019. According to a report published by the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) around 70000 people are drug addicts in Kashmir valley including 4000 women. A shocking report by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment reveals that an estimated 168,700 children aged 10 to 17 in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling with drug addiction. These young people are consuming a wide range of substances, including cannabis, opioids, sedatives, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, inhalants, and hallucinogens. Government Psychiatric Disease Hospital (GPDH) data reveals that 90% of drug abusers are between the ages of 17 and 35, indicating a high lifetime prevalence of drug addiction in this age group.
A psychiatry assistant professor at IMHANS described the rapid spread of heroin use in Kashmir as a 'viral infection.' In 2016, the institute's de-addiction facility treated only a few hundred patients seeking help for heroin addiction. However, by 2020, this number had skyrocketed to over thirteen thousand. Addiction Treatment Facilities established by the state government in collaboration with Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences support this alarming trend. Since its establishment in 2021, the ATF at Kulgam district hospital has treated 813 patients struggling with heroin or opioid addiction. In the neighboring Anantnag district, the ATF recorded 1,154 patients seeking treatment for heroin addiction .
The consequences of narco-terrorism in Kashmir are far reaching. The drug trade has led to an increase in crime, including theft, robbery and extortion. The availability of cheap drugs has also contributed to the rise of drug addiction among the youth with serious health and social consequences. In addition, the infiltration of terrorist elements through drug trafficking networks poses a significant threat to the security of the region. The heroin epidemic is closely linked to a surge in blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C and other diseases. Due to social stigma, these infections are often underreported, and even when diagnosed, healthcare systems are ill-equipped and understaffed to provide adequate treatment.
The Government of India has introduced various measures to combat narco-terrorism in Kashmir. These include increased border security, better intelligence gathering and stronger law enforcement. The Indian Army has instituted a multi-faceted approach to counter the threat of narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing enhanced border vigilance, collaborative efforts with law enforcement, and community outreach initiatives also including
The Indian Army has launched frequent raids on drug plantations and trafficking hubs, aiming to dismantle the illicit drug networks operating in this region. The Army has significantly ramped up its activities to intercept drug consignments and detain individuals engaged in the illicit drug trade, both within Jammu and Kashmir and along the international border. The Army has forged strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to gather actionable intelligence on drug syndicates, enabling them to build robust cases against drug traffickers. The Army has bolstered its border security measures, including deploying additional troops and utilizing advanced technology, to prevent drugs from entering the region.
The government initiated a public awareness campaign in three Kashmir districts Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag, resulting in the establishment of a drug de-addiction center at Srinagar's Police Control Room by J&K Police. A dedicated team of professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, de-addiction social workers, counselors, medical officers, and yoga trainers, staff the center. "A decade ago, we treated only 10 to 15 cases of drug addiction daily at our hospital. Today, that number has skyrocketed to between 150 and 200 cases per day. This alarming trend is a clear indication of the escalating drug abuse crisis in our region," stated a psychiatrist and professor at one facilty. Only individuals demonstrating a genuine desire to recover and meeting the necessary medical criteria for detoxification and rehabilitation were admitted to the center. The typical duration of a patient's stay was three to four weeks. The center's inpatient program achieved significant success, with 1,332 patients successfully rehabilitated during this period.
However, the difficulties in solving this problem are considerable. The vastness of the borders, the difficult terrain and the sophisticated methods of drug smugglers make it difficult to completely eradicate the drug trade. In addition, the involvement of terrorist organizations in the drug business adds another layer of complexity to the problem. Narco-terrorism in Kashmir is a serious threat that requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. While the Indian government has taken steps to address this problem, it is clear that more needs to be done. International cooperation, regional initiatives and community involvement are essential in the fight against this deadly menace. By address to the root cause of drug addiction and terrorism and strengthening law enforcement and border security, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects of narco-terrorism on the people of Kashmir.
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