Crackdown on Drug Kingpins Vital for J&K Youth Sakina Itoo

Natika Bhat
Srinagar July 21: Sounding the alarm over the growing drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday called for a focused crackdown on the masterminds behind the narcotics trade. Stressing that piecemeal action targeting small-time offenders is insufficient, the minister said that the fight against drugs must begin by “arresting the big fish.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Itoo described the drug menace as a grave and urgent threat to the region’s youth. “This is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a societal crisis that demands a united front,” she said.
She emphasized that while police and health departments are playing their part, the broader community must also rise to the occasion. “If we continue to arrest only petty offenders while drug lords remain untouched, we will fail to break the backbone of this illegal network,” she warned.
The minister also urged religious scholars, civil society, and local communities to step forward and take ownership of the problem. “Our future generation is at stake. The responsibility lies with all of us—parents, educators, spiritual leaders, and neighborhood elders—to create a drug-free environment,” she said.
Highlighting the collective nature of the challenge, Itoo reiterated that a coordinated effort involving awareness campaigns, community engagement, and strong policing is essential to tackle the issue effectively.
She acknowledged ongoing efforts by government agencies but made it clear that a shift in strategy is needed. “The current approach must be scaled up to dismantle the larger supply chains. We must go after the profiteers and kingpins who are poisoning our society.”
The remarks come amid rising concerns over increasing drug abuse cases across the Union Territory, especially among the youth. With growing public anxiety and a visible toll on families and communities, Itoo’s appeal for decisive action marks a renewed call for urgency and accountability.