Over 10 per cent of J&K’s population are drug abusers: Report

SRINAGAR: There are estimated 13.50 lakh drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir, ie., 10.8 per cent population of the Union Territory, and most of them are in the age group of 18 to 75 years, according to a report by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment.

In its report presented to both Houses of Parliament, the Standing Committee comprising 27 Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has mentioned the estimated number of current drug use among children aged 10-17 years and adults 18-75 years based on the projected population in 2018.

The Standing Committee in its report estimated that 1,68,700 children in the age group of 10-17 years take drugs in the UT.

Of them, 8000 use cannabis, 95000 opioids, 19000 sedatives, 100 cocaine, 400 ATS, 46000 inhalants and 200 hallucinogens.

The report revealed that 11,80,000 adults in the age group of 18-75 are drug abusers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Of them, the majority 4.47 lakh are opioid addicts, 3.54 lakh are alcoholics, 1.51 lakh use sedatives, 1.36 lakh use cannabis, 89000 use inhalants while 1000 each are addicts of cocaine, stimulant and hallucinogens.

According to the report, a total of 13,48,700 persons are drug abusers in J&K and the number might be higher as these estimates are based on the projected population in 2018.

As per the 2011 census, J&K’s population is 1.25 crore, meaning 10.8 per cent of the population consists of drug addicts, which is a worrisome situation for the society as a whole.

The Committee has emphasized that suitable checks should be established at the airports and borders with the latest technology, drones and CCTVs so that the supply of drugs from Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan etc is completely stopped.

National Conference spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said the figures are alarming, indicating that 10 per cent of J&K’s population is now engaged in active substance abuse.