Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Kashmir Enlists Imams to Combat Rising Drug Abuse
The Jammu and Kashmir government is working with local religious leaders to fight drug abuse.
They are using Friday prayer sermons to teach people about the dangers of drugs.
Around 1.3 million people in the region are affected by drug abuse, with heroin being the most common substance.
The government has also made many arrests and seized properties linked to drug dealers.
They believe that involving religious leaders will help reach more people and make a bigger impact.
The goal is to educate students and the community about the serious problem of drug addiction.
Jammu and Kashmir government has enlisted around 80-85 imams in Srinagar to raise awareness about drug abuse through Friday sermons.
Heroin is the most commonly used substance, with a 95% dependency rate among users, primarily affecting the 15–30 age group.
Official data shows 1.3 million people in the region are affected by drug abuse, with daily use of nearly 33,000 syringes.
Security forces have intensified operations, resulting in nearly 1,400 arrests and the attachment of properties worth over 70 crores.
The initiative aims to expand to other districts and involve coaching centers and educational institutions to reach nearly one million students.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir administration and local imams
- What
- Initiative to combat drug abuse by involving religious leaders
- When
- Ongoing, with plans to expand to other districts
- Where
- Srinagar district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, particularly among the youth
- Initiative
- Religious leaders in Srinagar to raise awareness about drug abuse
- Participants
- Around 80-85 imams initially involved
- Affected Population
- 1.3 million people in Jammu and Kashmir affected by drug abuse
- Primary Substance
- Heroin, with a 95% dependency rate among users
- Age Group
- Most users are aged 15–30
- Daily Syringes Used
- Nearly 33,000 syringes used daily by drug abusers
- Arrests
- Nearly 1,400 individuals arrested under NDPS Act
- Properties Attached
- Properties worth over 70 crores attached in NDPS cases
