Heroin addiction among youth in Kashmir Valley has tripled, sparking a major de-addiction effort.

Drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kashmir Valley has tripled over the past 3.5 years, with rising heroin use among youth and students, prompting the Divisional Commissioner to call it a serious social crisis. A large-scale de-addiction campaign is underway, personally monitored by the Chief Secretary, involving religious leaders, awareness drives, and training for counsellors through IMHANS. The initiative includes helplines, five-day training sessions across institutions, and expanded mental health services. While the focus is on prevention and treatment, some emphasize the need for stronger border controls, jobs, and youth empowerment to tackle root causes.