A society does not become drug free through slogans; it becomes drug free through choices made behind closed doors. The 100 day intensive campaign under the Nasha Mukht Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan is a commendable and much-needed initiative, reflecting the seriousness with which the administration is addressing the growing menace of substance abuse. Awareness rallies, seminars, enforcement drives, and rehabilitation efforts are all vital steps in the right direction. Yet, there is an uncomfortable truth we must confront a drug-free society cannot be created by government efforts alone.

If we truly aspire to see a Nasha Mukht Jammu & Kashmir, we must begin by asking ourselves a simple but powerful question, Can we declare our own homes as “Nasha Mukht”
How many of us, especially as heads of families, can confidently say that no form of substance use exists within our households. The reality is often different. In many homes, substance use is normalized in subtle ways be it smoking or similar habits that act as gateways. These small acceptances quietly shape the mindset of the younger generation.
A striking contradiction is visible in our society. People actively participate in anti-drug rallies and advocate for a drug-free future, yet some of the same individuals are seen lighting a cigarette immediately afterward. This gap between what we preach and what we practice weakens the very foundation of the movement. Instead, such platforms should encourage genuine commitment where participants take a pledge to give up such habits.
Another concern is the easy availability of cigarettes at the shops at mohalla level, often even near schools. When such access exists right outside educational institutions, the message we send to our youth becomes deeply contradictory. On one hand, we claim to protect them on the other we allow temptation at their doorstep.
Children do not learn from speeches they learn from what they observe at home. A parent advising against drugs while engaging in substance use sends a conflicting message. Even asking a child to purchase cigarettes indirectly normalizes the behaviour and introduces them to it.
Equally concerning is the tendency of families to ignore early signs of substance use, dismissing them as “just a phase.” This allows the problem to grow. Moreover, the responsibility does not end within our own homes. If a child in our neighbourhood is slipping into addiction, it is not just one family’s problem it is a collective concern. The fight against substance abuse is deeply personal before it becomes social.
While the government can enforce laws, seize drugs, and run de-addiction centres, it cannot sit in our homes, guide our children, or correct our daily habits. That responsibility lies with us.
At the same time, awareness alone is not enough there must be accountability and deterrence. While compassion and rehabilitation are essential, the law must send a clear message that substance abuse, in any form, is unacceptable. Even minor possession cases cannot be treated casually if they contribute to a larger cycle of demand and supply. Strengthening legal provisions, where necessary, should aim to prevent the first step toward addiction.
At the same time, the role of civil and police administration is crucial in ensuring that the campaign delivers real results. Law enforcement must go beyond routine action and focus on dismantling supply networks through proactive and intelligence-based operations. Strict monitoring of illegal sales, especially near schools, along with consistent action against offenders, can reduce accessibility. Equally important is building public trust so that communities feel encouraged to share information. The police must act not only as enforcers of law but also as partners in this fight, ensuring that their presence creates both deterrence and confidence within society.
Equally important is how we measure success. The focus should not remain limited to the number of events conducted or reports generated. True progress lies in concrete action how effectively networks are disrupted, how many individuals are rehabilitated, and how strong a sense of deterrence is created. Numbers may reflect activity, but only action reflects impact.
However, laws alone cannot win this battle. A morally aware society is the strongest safeguard. Religious leaders, educators, elders, and peer groups must reinforce that substance abuse is not just a legal issue, it is a moral and social failure that affects families and futures.
While the campaign has laid a strong foundation, the next step must be to translate awareness into measurable action. Time bound targets can be introduced, where districts are given realistic deadlines to achieve “Nasha Mukht” status based on clear indicators. This would create urgency, accountability, and healthy competition.
Rehabilitation must also be linked with opportunity. Recovery should not end at de-addiction centres. Recovered individuals should be supported through employment, skill development, and self-employment schemes so they can rebuild their lives with dignity and avoid relapse.
We as a society must take responsibility for reducing the demand for drugs by creating awareness, strengthening moral values, and guiding especially the youth towards a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. From a social and moral perspective, preventing addiction at its root is the most effective way to safeguard our communities. At the same time law enforcement agencies particularly the police, play a crucial role in addressing the problem from the supply side by dismantling illegal drug networks and disrupting supply chains through strict legal action. When society actively works on reducing demand and enforcement agencies effectively control supply, a balanced and coordinated approach is created offering a more sustainable way to combat drug abuse and move towards a healthier drug-free society.
Ultimately, this campaign must become a mirror for self-reflection. Before questioning the system, we must look within. The real success of this movement will not be measured by the number of rallies conducted, but by the number of homes transformed.
A truly drug-free Jammu & Kashmir will not emerge from loud slogans or temporary campaigns, but from quiet, consistent decisions made within our homes because when families change, society follows, and when society awakens, change becomes irreversible.

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