By Reyaz Ahmad, NAK
Baramulla : North Kashmir’s Baramulla is considered as ‘gate way’ of the valley is worst hit by difficult times as drug, narcotics and alcohol trafficking is playing havoc in the township. A major chunk of masses particularly the youth in the town is falling pray to the increasing menace. The drug control authorities are playing as laggard.
The youth indulge in the abuse down to the degree of taking Sweaty socks juice, Boot polish, Novena, not to speak of tranquilizers and all. The easy availability of prohibited drugs, narcotics, and alcohol has created a new genre of escapists here.
Ironically the warning on these drugs, adds insult, which reads ‘ To be sold by the retail on the prescription of registered medical practitioner’ and makes no difference for the peddlers who sell the items openly that too with out any hesitation.
The interiors of the town are worst hit by this unwanted menace and streets of the town seem to be engulfed by the dark monsoon clouds and awful smell in evening hours. Areas like, Dewanbagh, Azad Gunj, Noor Bagh, Kwagabagh, Kantabagh are considered hub of such nefarious activities.
Khalid Hussain, sociology professor said, “The reason behind the increase the addiction abuse is the easy availability of the illegal and prohibited drugs, narcotics and alcohol and there is no restrictions imposed by the authorities.” ” the prolonged war-like situation in the valley acclimated number of nervous wreaks in the valley, that is way people in the valley resort to drugs, narcotics, and seductive to ensure timely solace.” He told NAK
It is general concept among the masses that despite of knowing about the fact, the concern authorities and the police is not taking any action against the drug store owners and narcotic peddlers who contribute in the increasing menace. “If police and drug control authorities are conscious of the fact, why they are mute in this matter,” questioned a local resident Hilal Ahmad Bhat adding that these illegitimate practitioners and peddlers should be booked behind bars.
Another social activist and renowned social activist Bashir Ahmed Kanroo told News Agency of Kashmir adding “The abuse is increasing in the such a rate that it would be a dangerous problem of the society in near future, pre-cautioned adding that both the governmental and non governmental organizations should come forward to eradicate this problem from the society.”
He also said, “people should register cases against the erring chemists and peddler and the youth should be educated about the harmful effects of the drugs.”
With such menaces hunting the society in this historically renowned township of the valley, one’s heart and soul sinks. These kind problems need immediate attention. And it is all up to public authorities, the police and the common people who have to join hands to rid the society of these problems.(NAK)