The Problem

Considering the social stigma attached to drug addiction, it’s practically impossible to accurately compile details regarding the same. Nevertheless, by interpolating data from various studies and surveys conducted on sample groups as well as information regarding addicts undergoing rehabilitation in government/ private institutions, a fair assessment on the severity of this problem can be gauged.
Available data confirms that drug menace in J&K is rapidly increasing and if not checked could assume gargantuan proportions. A recent study reveals that “While India as a whole has increasingly transitioned from a transit hub into a major consumer zone for illicit substances; the situation in J&K has reached a particularly alarming magnitude.”
Drug addiction in J&K is a burgeoning problem that cannot be brushed under the carpet. Concerned About Universal Social Empowerment [CAUSE] is a Srinagar based NGO working to provide medical assistance and rehabilitation to drug addicts. By lamenting that “we lost one generation in conflict and next we will lose to drug abuse”its co-founder Mir Zubair Rashid aptly describes the enormity of drug addiction problems in J&K.

Narco-Terrorism

Despite credible proof, Islamabad continues to reject New Delhi’s assertions of Pakistan army’s intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI] being complicit in drug trafficking across the Radcliffe Line and Line of Control [LoC]. However, with this admission coming from the very horse’s mouth, its denial impresses no one.
In 1994, a US Congressional Report titled ‘Pakistan’s Involvement in Narco-Terrorism’ mentioned a Washington Post investigative report based on an interview with former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during which he made extremely damning revelations.
Sharif claimed that soon after becoming prime minister in 1990, then army chief Gen Aslam Beg and ISI chief Lt Gen Asad Durrani told him the armed forces “needed more money for covert foreign operations and wanted to raise it through large-scale drug deals.” He was also told by them that “We have a blueprint ready for your approval.” [Emphasis added].
He added, “I told them categorically not to initiate any such operation, and a few days later I called [Gen] Beg again to tell [him] that I have disapproved [of] the ISI plan to back heroin smuggling.” Sharif however admitted that he had “no sources” to confirm whether his directions had been complied with.
While Lt Gen Durrani [expectedly] denied it, Western diplomat who was based in Islamabad at that time and had “occasional dealings” with both the then Pakistan army chief as well as his spymaster opined that “It’s not inconceivable that they could come up with a plan like this.” [Emphasis added].
With Pakistan facing a massive financial crisis, there can be no two views that the quantum increase in instances of drugs smuggling into India from its Western borders is being organised by ISI as means for generating money for sponsoring terrorism related activities in India.

Indian Army Efforts

The Indian army is an important player in combating the drug menace along with other government agencies. Its counter-infiltration deployment along the International border and LoC ensures effective surveillance to thwart any attempts to smuggle drugs through surface means. This is the reason behind the manyfold increase of drones for trans-shipping drugs across the border.
The Indian army shares intelligence regarding narcotics obtained from their sources, over-ground workers linked to smuggling syndicates with the local police and the narcotics department. It also provides necessary security during operations to seize drugs in remote areas when needed.
Besides its anti- drug smuggling efforts, the Indian army is also actively partnering with union territory authorities and civil society in guiding youth towards a drug-free and constructive future. It is also running skill development programmes to steer vulnerable youth from drug addiction by providing them with constructive alternatives like vocational training, sports activities, coaching centers for professional progression as well as counseling and rehabilitation support.
In April, the Indian army participated in a three-month-long public outreach activity in Nagrota using a “whole-of-society approach” against drugs. This campaign included intensive awareness drives across educational institutions and included community engagement through influencers as well as religious leaders. This in turn would facilitate early identification, counseling support and appropriate measures for rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Just last month, the Indian army in collaboration with the Qim Care Foundation and Government Degree College Budgam organised Rubaru, a social campaign aimed at eradicating drug abuse amongst the youth by increasing public awareness regarding the health hazards that such addiction causes.
The intense involvement of the Indian army in helping eradicate drug menace in J&K is part of its deep commitment towards nation-building and enhancing societal resilience. It is doing so by not only by focusing on preventive measures against addiction but also providing opportunities to the youth to divert their energies in constructive pursuits and skill training to facilitate better career prospects.

Email:-------------------------nileshkunwar.56@gmail.com