In order to highlight the role of Religious Scholars in eradication of Substance abuse, District Administration Srinagar organized an Orientation-cum-Capacity Building Workshop for Masjid Imams and Religious Scholars at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), here today.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg was the Chief Guest of the programme while Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo attended the event as Guest of Honour.

The Workshop aimed at highlighting the crucial role of religious scholars in eradicating the growing menace of drug abuse in society and was attended by over 100 prominent Religious Scholars including Imams and Ulemas from across the Valley, besides a large number of eminent citizens and civil society members.

 Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof. Iffat Hassan, Administrator, GMC, Srinagar Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Tehsildar Khanyar, Syed Shahid, Tehsildar Wakaf Board, Ishtiyaq Ahmad, Nodal Officer ATF IMHAANS, Dr Arshid, Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre SMHS Hospital, Dr Yasir and other concerned were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the workshop, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir sought active support and cooperation from religious scholars in sensitising people especially the youth about the harmful and dangerous effects of drug abuse. He urged scholars to convey through Friday sermons that drug consumption is not only prohibited in all religions but also severely damages individuals, families, and society at large.

He said that concerned departments and institutions shall adopt 3-stage approach including awareness campaigns, identification of victims and counselling to curb surge in cases.

He also emphasised the importance of early reporting of drug abuse cases, urging affected individuals and their families to approach Drug De-addiction Centres for timely rehabilitation through professional counselling and expert guidance.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar termed the rising drug menace as a matter of serious concern and called for collective efforts from all sections of society to uproot the grave problem. He noted that drug abuse not only destroys the life of an addict but also leads to the breakdown of entire families.  

The DC highlighted that while the administration is taking strong measures to curb drug abuse, religious scholars and parents must play a pivotal role alongside the government. He also outlined key aspects of the rehabilitation policy of the District Administration aimed at reintegrating drug victims with their families, as well as the deterrence measures being taken to break the supply chain and curb drug peddling in the district.

The DC also highlighted the key points of the rehabilitation policy of the District Administration to bring back the drug victims to their families and deterrence measures taken by the District Administration Srinagar to break the supply chain and crush the drug peddling in the District.

During the programme, prominent religious scholars spoke about the vital role of religious scholars and Ulemas in creating awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse and stressed the need for such targeted awareness initiatives to safeguard society.

Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar, highlighted the crucial role of Imams as trusted community leaders in prevention, early intervention, and stigma reduction.

Prof. (Dr.) Arshad Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS-GMC Srinagar, highlighted the growing burden of substance use disorders in the region and stressed the importance of early intervention and community participation in prevention efforts.

Earlier, Mental Health Experts delivered detailed presentations on drug abuse, its systematic treatment, existing policies, and available preventive and rehabilitation services. They underlined the importance of early identification of signs and symptoms of drug abuse and raising sustained awareness at the community level.