Poisoning the valley: The human cost of Narco-terrorism in kashmir

“Addiction begins with the hope that something ‘out there’ can instantly fill up the emptiness inside” – Jean Kilbourne

The unholy alliance between illegal drug trade and terrorist organizations is known as narco-terrorism. Narco-terrorism serves as a major source of income for terrorist organizations worldwide. According to the United Nations Drug Report, the global estimated number of drug users has surpassed 345 million. The violence-ridden state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has become particularly susceptible to this nexus, as it has created a conducive environment for drug consumption and trafficking. Narco-terrorism involves the cultivation, production, distribution, and funding of illicit narcotics by anti-national elements. These organizations employ drug money to purchase weapons, recruit and train new members, and spread terror, hatred, and instability within the state. This connection between drugs and terrorism is treacherous as it enables terror groups to maintain financial independence from external sources.

The Jammu and Kashmir region has emerged as a hub for narco-terrorism due to its proximity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to a recent study by WION, approximately 600,000 people are drug addicts in Jammu and Kashmir, accounting for around 4.6% of the Union Territory’s population. Among these users, 90% fall within the age group of 17-33 years. The ongoing conflict between terrorist organizations such as LeT and JeM and security forces has facilitated the creation of a fertile environment for drug abuse. Foreign cartels, the internet, and terrorist organizations are all involved in the complex network that constitutes the drug trade in J&K. The Line of Control (LOC) and the Jammu-Sialkot corridor are the most commonly used routes for transborder drug operations. Heroin, cannabis, tramadol, and codeine, with a street value of INR 20-30 lakhs per kilogram, are among the widely trafficked drugs in this region. Research conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at the Government Medical College in Srinagar revealed that over 65% of the youth had reported trying drugs at least once in their lifetime, and over 40% reported frequent use. Approximately 18,000 people were using illicit drugs, resulting in a daily expenditure of 3.5 crore rupees.

Terrorist groups are the most active organizations involved in drug trafficking. They recruit drug smugglers as foot soldiers to assist them in their illicit activities, making it easier for terrorists to cross the border and evade capture. The terrorists create a network of young people addicted to drugs, enlisting them to fight against the government. This relationship between terrorists and cartels has led to psychological suffering for the people of Kashmir. The drug money is also used to finance propaganda campaigns and promote hate and violence. The drug trade has caused addiction rates to soar, fueling an increase in crime rates and other societal issues. The brutality and terror inflicted by these elements have inflicted lasting effects on the mental health of the population, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence, drug abuse, and psychological trauma in Kashmir. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) of 1985 granted India’s National Investigating Agency (NIA) the authority to investigate narco-terrorism cases. Additionally, the Border Security Forces (BSF) have been authorized to intercept drug trafficking at land borders. To efficiently coordinate the efforts of various law enforcement agencies dealing with drugs, the government has established the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism, which facilitates effective coordination among all drug enforcement.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of The Morn