Rows of people, fill the psychiatry wards day and night, looking for answers in a void of shattered dreams and hopes. Flocks of people gather at the entrances aiming at receiving treatment, deemed hopeless. Rehabilitation centres continue to remain an anomalous spectacle.
In 1990s, separatist insurgency took hold of the areas of Kashmir, initially drug abuse was fuelled by medicinal opiates like morphine and codeine, or sedatives like benzodiazepines. Today, the youth of this war-torn world, has a drug addiction accompanied by social issues due to the compromise caused by the persistent violence they are subjected to.
Narcoterrorism being politically activated in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, has created a ‘heavenly abode space’ for drug misuse, abuse and consumption. The masses are suffering the crippling addictive effects caused by these drugs. Drug trafficking has been an easy mobility and access, thanks to the terrorist and insurgent groups, that have a powerful hold over the region through drugs. What has been left is the aftermath of a shaky J&K, one that is devoid of the mercy of losses and grief that has befallen them.
The funds benefitting by these terrorist and insurgent groups are used for exchange of radical power, that is, people don’t have a voice and a freedom of their own. Narcotic trafficking, now an insidious phenomenon, emerged as a cross border crime hub, for illicit substance sale by terrorist groups. The Golden Crescent has an infamous reputation for being the largest producer of opium.
The Golden Crescent is an opium producing region in Asia. It is the oldest and largest of its kind. Countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan all make their monetary gain from this. It is also known as the Silk Route of Drugs.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan connections are essential for poppy and cannabis production. It is believed that the growth of illicit narcotics in Pakistan, helps with the terrorist movement in India. The age groups 16-25 are adversely affected by the changes in government and society as a whole, for better or worse. When political instability wrecks havoc in an entire past state, the entire nation falls. These youths also succumb to diseases that are transmitted intravenously such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
To add further complication to this scenario, the drug use is performed by all, young and old, rich and poor. Drug abuse has grown much more volatile due to a lack of attention given to mental healthcare services, if these are provided, mental health conditions would have probably not been on the rise. Anxiety, depression and grief are all the propellers that are against the five pillars of social justice.
The education and heath system are no longer a cornerstone of development of this long-gone state. Question is, where is our government when it comes to these violent activist groups that bring about these drastic changes to our humanity, our society, our nation? Healthcare services are necessary more than ever before, so where are you government?
Nivea Vaz
Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
Credit: DW Documentary
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