Drug abuse in the valley: Statistics & Causes
Paradise on the verge of Becoming Hell: The Drug Menace in Kashmir
Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” is a region known for its breathtaking landscape, rich culture heritage, and historical significance, situated in the Himalayas but now this Paradise on the verge of becoming Hell.
In recent years Kashmir has seen exponential increase in the drug use.
In 2023, a study conducted by IMHANS revealed that the prevalence of Hepatitis C among drug abusers in Kashmir is 72 percent. The institute received 150 drug addiction cases per day.
A 2022 study by the Psychiatry department of the Government Medical College in Srinagar found that Kashmir had over taken Punjab, the northwestern Indian state battling a drug crisis for decades, in the number of cases of narcotics use per capita.
In August 2023, an Indian Parliament report estimated that nearly 1.35 million of Kashmir’s 12 million people were drug users, suggesting a sharp rise from the nearly 350,000 such users in the previous year as estimated in a survey by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) at the Government Medical College, Srinagar.
The IMHANS survey also found that 90 percent of drug users in Kashmir were aged between 17 and 33.
(Source: Aljazeera.com)
On April 5 2025, Police across North Kashmir have intensified their operations, registering 505 drug related cases, seizing 347 Kgs of Contraband material.
There are many stories that are shocking for the society but the most shocking story is about a married couple who spent nearly one crore rupees on drug addiction. Initially, the man was drug addict, and later his wife became involved due to his influence.
The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has revealed concerning figures on the growing drug abuse crisis in the UT, reporting that 25,400 individuals sought outpatient treatment for substance abuse between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, 1399 cases required inpatient care during the same period.
According to IMHANS, on an average a heroin addict in Kashmir spends about 90,000 rupees on every month.
A Shocking Encounter on the Street
I myself witnessed a person who seemed to be unwell. At first, I thought he was sick, so I approached to help him. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed that liquor bottles were strapped to his abdomen, and I realized he was intoxicated.
Why this happening?
There are many reasons why this happening in Kashmir. Once called the Paradise on the earth.
1. Prolonged Conflict and Instability
For decades, Kashmir has been caught in the grip of political unrest and armed conflict. This continuous unrest and armed conflict. This continuous state of turmoil has left deep psychological scars on its people, especially the youth. With Trauma, fear and anxiety becoming part of daily life, many individuals turn to drugs as a way to escape their harsh realities.
2. Unemployment and lack of opportunities
Kashmir’s economic instability has left many young people without jobs or meaningful engagement. The frustration and hopelessness that arise from being idle often drive them towards substance abuse. With no clear vision for the future, drugs become a dangerous form of relief.
3. Easy Availability and Drug Trafficking.
The geographical location of Kashmir, near the golden crescent makes it highly vulnerable to drug trafficking. Narcotics like heroin and cannabis are smuggled across borders and make their way into markets with alarming ease, especially in rural and border areas.
4. Breakdown of Traditional Family and Community support
Modernization have led to a weakening of traditional family structures. Many children grow up without adequate parental guidance or support. Without strong social or spiritual foundations, they are more likely to fall into the trap of substance abuse.
5. Neglect of Mental Health and Limited Rehabilitation
Mental health awareness in the region remains low. Most people struggling with addiction don’t receive psychological counselling or professional support.
Conclusion:
The drug crisis in Kashmir is not just a health issue-it’s a social emergency. The future of an entire generation is at stake. We need combined efforts from government agencies, religious leaders, educators, families and the media to combat this growing threat. Strengthening mental health care, creating employment opportunities, promoting awareness, and investing in rehabilitation can offer a way forward.
Kashmir has endured decades of conflict with resilience. Now, it must come together to fight a different kind of war-one that’s threatening from within.
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کُلُّ مُسۡکِرٍ حَرَام
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم Says Every intoxicant is haram(forbidden).
(Sahih Muslim)
This hadith clearly states that any substance which causes intoxication- whether it be alcohol, drugs, or anything similar-is forbidden in Islam.
In this Hadith the Word “Muskir” refers to anything that clouds the mind or causes a person to lose control of their thoughts and actions. This includes not just alcohol but also modern drugs such as heroin, cocaine and other addictive substance.
Written By: Sufi Amir