Jammu A senior police official has said that the growing drug problem in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab has not emerged overnight but is the result of calculated efforts by anti-national and anti-social elements, especially in militancy-affected areas.
In an exclusive interview with news agency JKNS, Superintendent of Police, Choudhary Iftikhar Ahmed, said, “Drugs didn’t suddenly appear in society. Over the past few years, anti-national and anti-social forces have deliberately spread this menace in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, particularly in areas once affected by militancy. I hold these elements directly responsible.”
He further explained, “Because drug trade offers quick money, many people fall into its trap. I feel that mosques, gurdwaras, and other religious places have not fully played their role in tackling this growing problem.”
‘Unemployment Not the Only Reason — Larger Issues at Play’
When asked whether unemployment could be one of the reasons for rising drug abuse, SP Iftikhar replied, “There are several reasons — unemployment may be one of them, but there are many other contributing factors as well.”
‘We Focused on FIRs for Praise, Ignored Real Kingpins’
He candidly admitted gaps within law enforcement agencies: “Police and other agencies have not been able to enforce the law in its true sense. We focused more on recoveries and filing FIRs to gain appreciation from seniors. Unfortunately, we failed to give proper attention to the real peddlers and kingpins running the network.”
‘Selfie Culture Shielding Drug Traffickers’
In a strong revelation, SP Iftikhar pointed out, “I have observed a troubling issue — some people involved in the drug trade click selfies with senior officers just to build a respectable image in society. These individuals are actually making huge money from the drug business while misleading the public.”
‘Parents Must Watch for Changes in Their Children’
Urging parents he said, “Charity begins at home. First, pay attention to your own household, then to neighbours, and then to the wider society. Parents must look for signs like sudden changes in sleep patterns in their children a common symptom of drug use and keep a close track on them,” Iftikhar said. (JKNS)
