Srinagar, Oct 24: Kashmir’s top religious cleric and Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Thursday raised concerns over the alarming rise of drug addiction in the valley, calling it one of the most pressing social challenges in present times.
According to a 2018 national survey conducted by the ministry on the extent and pattern of substance use in India, over 14.09 lakh people aged between 10 and 75 in Kashmir were using various psychoactive substances.
Mirwaiz stressed the need of a moral reform grounded in Islamic teachings to counter these issues. He urged civil society, and authorities to unite in addressing this escalating crisis.
The head cleric also expressed his deep sorrow over the recent attack in Gagangeer where seven people were killed while five others were injured.
“It is unfortunate that those who come here for food and salary are being targeted,” he said, as he condemned the attack, news agency KINS reported.
He voiced concerns over the distractions faced by the younger generation, particularly the negative impact of social media and intense competition.
“We are seeing a growing number of children facing psychological problems due to these distractions. Education is not just about earning degrees but about building a moral and social structure,” he remarked.
He called for a collective effort from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and society at large to address these challenges, urging them to follow the teachings of the Quran and Hadith in guiding the younger generation.
He said that parents should provide basic Islamic education to school-going children after school hours, stressing the importance of nurturing moral values from an early age.
“If we take advantage of our social structure, we can overcome many challenges,” he concluded, urging parents and the community to play a more active role in shaping the character of the next generation.