‘Drug addiction is a big challenge for the society, there should be a complete ban on the sale of liquor’, said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Former Hurriyat Chairman and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Maulvi Umar Farooq has said that the crackdown on people under the guise of war against drugs and the use of anti-terrorism laws is a serious matter which needs attention. He has appealed to the government to reconsider its approach to win the trust and goodwill of the people instead of angering them.

Addressing the people during Friday (08 May) prayers at Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for a holistic approach to deal with the drug menace. He said that this fight cannot be successful as long as one form of drug addiction is targeted and the other is promoted. Besides, he also made a strong appeal for a complete ban on the sale of liquor.

What did Mirwaiz say about the ban on ‘Jamia Siraj ul Uloom’?

Describing the issue of ban on ‘Jamia Siraj ul Uloom’ under the UAPA law as a serious issue, Mirwaiz said that this action has created a fear among the people that our religious identity and educational institutions run by trusts and local committees are being targeted. Apart from this, the future of hundreds of students studying there is also being ruined by this action.

The issue of drugs has become painful – Mirwaiz

Referring to the protests held yesterday on the issue, Mirwaiz said that in the current circumstances, the students and their parents coming forward to protest is an indication of how urgent and painful this issue has become for them. He said, “Those in power should understand that if they are not seeing open opposition from the people against such steps, it is because there is no space left for the people or the leadership to express their disagreement and displeasure towards such policies.

‘People’s resentment against policies can take a big form’

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “If the government does not reconsider its approach and does not allow the reopening of this institution (Jamia Siraj ul Uloom) and other such institutions – so that they too can function like educational institutions elsewhere, then the resentment burning in the minds of the people against these policies can take the form of a major protest any time.”

He urged those in power to reconsider their approach and instead of angering the people with such painful actions, try to win their trust and goodwill.

‘Campaign against drug networks a welcome initiative’

Referring to the increasing menace of drugs, Mirwaiz said, “The campaign being run by the government against drug smugglers and their networks in Jammu and Kashmir is a welcome initiative. He said that every true effort made to save the young generation from this dreadful trap of drug addiction is worthy of welcome, because drug addiction is one of the most serious challenges facing our society today.

‘The risk of getting trapped in drug addiction is very high’

Along with this, Mirwaiz also said that we cannot ignore the fact that for an entire generation growing up amidst political conflict, uncertainty, mental stress and limited employment opportunities, the risk of getting trapped in drug abuse is very high. He said that this crisis cannot be seen only from the perspective of law and order, or through the prism of headline-grabbing incidents like arrests and confiscation of assets.

It is necessary to end the network of drug smugglers – Mirwaiz

Mirwaiz said that today many youth are struggling with anxiety, despair and mental stress due to political uncertainty and worries about their future. Therefore, while it is necessary to take strict action against drug traffickers and dismantle their networks, policing alone cannot solve this health emergency, nor can it heal a wounded society.

Mirwaiz said that keeping these objectives in mind, a campaign against drug abuse and for social reform was also launched under the aegis of MMU (Muttahida Majlis Ulema) around 2014, emphasizing the role of mosques and Imams in this effort. He said that collective efforts made by all parties can prove to be very helpful in dealing with this problem.

Along with this, he said that the society also has to honestly accept that drug addiction is not limited to drugs only, but alcohol is also an addiction and a dangerous social evil. He said, “Islam has always strongly opposed drugs, because they harm both the individual and society.”

Mirwaiz further said that Kashmir has historically been a society deeply rooted in spirituality, morality and social values. Therefore, while action against drugs is necessary and welcome, the increasing normalization of alcohol and its easy availability in society is equally a matter of concern.

He said that government figures show that hundreds of licensed liquor vends have now opened across Jammu and Kashmir, and the revenue from liquor sales has increased significantly in recent years. This raises an important question. Can one addiction be fought while another addiction is being promoted simultaneously?

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