The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College Srinagar, organized a series of awareness and educational events across Kashmir on Wednesday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme for this year’s campaign was “Break the Cycle. Stop Organized Crime.”
The main event, held at IMHANS-K in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, featured a workshop for around 30 Imaams and Khateebs, focusing on the crucial role religious leaders play in combating drug abuse.
In his welcome address, Dr. Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor and In-charge Head of De-addiction Services at IMHANS-K, voiced concern over rising substance use. “There is an urgent need for community-based interventions. Religious leaders can be proactive agents of change,” he emphasized.
Dr. Arshad Hussain, Head of Unit at IMHANS-K, underscored the power of faith in his keynote, urging clergy to use Friday sermons to promote a drug-free lifestyle. Assistant Professor Dr. Fazle Roub elaborated on faith leaders’ role in prevention and reducing stigma, while counselor Mr. Saleem spoke on current substance use trends and grassroots strategies.
Simultaneously, outreach teams from IMHANS-K conducted events across the Valley. Dr. Heena Afzal and Dr. Syed Mehvish Yaver partnered with Srinagar Police to hold an interactive session at Broadway Education Hub for high school students and UPSC aspirants, focusing on early intervention.
Elsewhere, Dr. Sajid Mohammad addressed students at the AMT School at GMC Srinagar on the addiction landscape in Kashmir. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Suhaff and Dr. Ubaidullah led awareness programs at B.Ed College and Central University of Kashmir, highlighting youth engagement strategies.
At Islamia College, under the NSS Wing, Dr. Marya Zahoor spoke about the psychological and societal impacts of substance abuse.
Organisers noted that these coordinated efforts aimed to foster a united front involving faith institutions, academia, and the public in addressing Kashmir’s growing drug crisis.
