Srinagar, Jan 03 (KNS) : BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur on Saturday intensified his attack on the growing menace of drug abuse and narco-terrorism in Kashmir, terming it a systematic assault on the Valley’s future, aided not just by traffickers but also by dangerous political silence and patronage.
“When bullets failed to break Kashmir, addiction was introduced as a weapon. Today, drugs are succeeding where guns failed — silently destroying our youth, our families and our social fabric,” Thakur said.
Referring to alarming data, he said nearly 14 lakh youths in Kashmir are estimated to be drug addicts, with addiction having tripled in the last three years.
“This is not a coincidence or a social accident. This is narco-terrorism — drugs pushed into Kashmir, money flowing back to terror handlers, and our young generation paying the price,” he said.
Altaf Thakur expressed grave concern over what he described as a shameful silence of several influential political, social and religious figures.
“Why are the Syeds and Sahibzadas silent on drug abuse and narco-terror? Why does their conscience wake up on political slogans but go into hibernation when our youth are being destroyed by syringes?” he asked.
Taking a sharp dig at political conduct, Thakur said it was deeply shameful and unacceptable that some politicians are seen visiting the homes of released drug peddlers, offering sympathy and legitimacy.
“When politicians go to the houses of drug peddlers after their release, it sends a dangerous message — that crime will be protected if you have the right connections.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis is nothing short of moral bankruptcy,” he said.
He warned that such actions weaken the fight against drugs and embolden narco-networks.
“Drug money funds terror. If drugs fund terror, then protecting or glorifying drug peddlers is indirectly strengthening terror. Silence is bad enough — patronage is criminal,” Thakur asserted.
The BJP spokesman said Kashmir today is witnessing a painful contradiction: parents fighting to save their children, rehabilitation centres overflowing, graveyards filling with young victims — while some politicians seek photo-ops instead of solutions.
“Kashmir is losing its future to addiction while politics watches quietly, and at times shamelessly shields the destroyers,” he said.
Altaf Thakur said leaders who cannot openly condemn drug mafias and their enablers have no moral authority to speak for Kashmir.
“History will clearly remember who fought narco-terrorism and who chose silence, appeasement and patronage. This is no longer politics; it is a fight to save an entire generation,” he said.
Calling for an uncompromising war on drug trafficking, Thakur urged strict action against traffickers, their political backers and the entire narco-ecosystem.
“Saving Kashmir today means saving its youth. Anything less is betrayal — of our values and our future,” Altaf Thakur concluded.(KNS)