Sajid Raina/ Seerat-un-Nisa
Srinagar: Just a few years ago, Murtaza Hussain (27) (named changed) a resident of north Kashmir’s was a promising student, excelling in his studies and carrying the hopes of his family. But today, he is a recovering heroin addict at a de-addiction centre, battling the demons that consumed the last four years of his life.
Hussain’s descent into addiction began when he was in 11th grade. According to his family, he was once a disciplined and ambitious boy.
But then, everything changed.”We noticed him withdrawing, skipping school, and staying out late,” recalled his father, his voice filled with anger and sorrow. “At first, we thought it was bad company, but soon, we realised he was taking drugs.”As his addiction grew, Hussain resorted to desperate measures to feed his habit.
He secretly stole his mother’s jewellery, sold it, and spent the money on heroin.”I don’t know how I had the courage to do it, but at that time, all I could think of was my next fix,” Hussain admitted, his voice trembling. “I betrayed the people who loved me the most.”His addiction spiralled out of control, and the financial toll was devastating.
In just a few years, he consumed drugs worth nearly rupees 10 lakh. His father, once hopeful about his son’s future, now speaks with bitterness.”I prayed for my son’s success, but today, I pray for his death,” Abdul Rasheed said, wiping away tears.
“This addiction has ruined him, ruined our family. We begged him to stop, but he destroyed everything. ”Hussain, now in rehabilitation, is trying to rebuild his life. But he knows the damage he has caused is irreparable.” There were nights when I wanted to quit, but the craving was too strong,” he confessed.
“I lost my dignity, my education, my family’s trust. Now, I just want a second chance.” Drug addiction has become a growing crisis in Kashmir, with many young men falling prey to substance abuse.
Families are left shattered, battling stigma, financial ruin, and emotional despair.
For Hussain, the road to recovery is long and uncertain. Whether his family will ever forgive him remains unknown. But one thing is certain—he is fighting for his life one day at a time.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly last week held a heated discussion on the rising drug addiction crisis, with legislators across party lines calling for urgent intervention.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged the growing problem but expressed optimism that the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan,” launched in 2022, was starting to show results.
“Drug addiction in J&K has been rising at an alarming rate. However, since the launch of ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ in September 2022, records indicate a slight decrease in new cases,” she told the House.
According to government data, the number of individuals undergoing drug de-addiction treatment dropped from 9,775 in 2022 to 6,925 in 2024.
However, MLAs remained divided over whether this decline truly reflected progress. The discussion turned confrontational when AAP MLA Mehraj Malik accused the BJP of failing to address drug addiction during the years when J&K had no elected government.
His remarks led to a shouting match between ruling and opposition legislators, forcing Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to intervene. He announced a 30 Minute special session to deliberate on strategies for tackling the crisis.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo noted that while outpatient (OPD) drug addiction cases had declined, inpatient (IPD) cases had increased due to improved treatment facilities and expanded de-addiction centres.
The government has implemented a drug de-addiction policy, established a state-level monitoring committee, and launched extensive awareness campaigns.
Currently, 11 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) operate in Kashmir and nine in Jammu, with de-addiction services available in all 20 districts and nine Government Medical Colleges (GMCs).“This is a very serious issue,” said senior legislator M.Y. Tarigami during the debate.
“Drug addiction has drastically increased. Who ruled this region for the past 10 years? They must answer for this crisis and the steps they have taken to combat it.”
