Anantnag, Aug 11 (KNO): Amid rising drug addiction in the Kashmir valley, an Islamic seminary conducted a cannabis destruction drive in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday afternoon.
Principal Idara Tehqiqat-e-Islam, Irshad Ahmad Hyderi told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that during the drive, cannabis was destroyed in two villages in the main town of Anantnag district.
He also said that more than 13 youth were caught red-handed, collecting cannabis, however, their identities will not be revealed as it will serve no purpose and these drug addicts need proper counselling.
He said that drug addiction has risen beyond imaginable levels and it is time for religious leaders and civil society, in general, to beef up their efforts in trying to control the rising menace.
“During our drive, we saw many teenagers take drugs. Many of them are as young as 14. It is disheartening to see such young children engaging in addiction. We all need to work collectively to stop the menace of drugs," he said.
Notably, several youth gathered under the banner of Idara Tehiqat-e-Islami, a seminary found in 1985 and participated in the drive.
The drive will be conducted in various phases in several parts of south Kashmir—(KNO)