SRINAGAR: In a powerful demonstration of youth engagement and social responsibility, Emerge Academy, in collaboration with CEMTAC CEMENTS, organised a cycling event titled “Pedal for Drug-Free Kashmir” on the streets of Srinagar, drawing participation of young students. The awareness campaign, aimed at highlighting the growing menace of drug addiction in the Valley, flagged off from Parray Pora and culminated at the iconic Nishat Garden, covering a vibrant stretch that carried a solemn message — Kashmir must unite against drugs.
The event was flagged off by Haamid Mufti, Chairman of Emerge Academy, who emphasised the urgent need for collective action against the increasing infiltration of drugs into Kashmiri society . “It is no longer a hidden crisis,” Mufti said. “This is a war at our doorsteps. We must not be silent spectators.”
The event received wholehearted support from various civil and government stakeholders. Certificates of participation and awards to winners were distributed at the culmination point by Ms. Laila Qurashi, founder of The Grooming Kashmir — a leading de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in the Valley. Known for her work with youth and recovery programs, Ms. Qurashi addressed the students, praising their initiative and encouraging consistent community participation in such social causes.
“These small steps turn into movements. And movements shape societies,” Ms. Qurashi remarked, while handing over medals to the top cyclists.
Drug Menace: A Frightening Picture Emerges
While the event radiated youthful energy and hope, the statistics it aimed to confront are anything but hopeful. According to recent reports, over 13.5 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling with substance abuse, with more than 1.6 lakh of them being minors aged between 10 and 17 years.
Experts from the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar confirm that heroin has become the most abused drug in the region, with injectable drug use leading to serious health risks including the spread of Hepatitis C, now found in over 70% of injecting drug users.
A large-scale survey conducted across ten districts in Kashmir revealed that 2.23% of the Valley’s population is opioid dependent. That translates to over 52,000 heroin-dependent individuals, with Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla and Kulgam emerging as the most affected districts.
District-Wise Drug Crisis
A recent analysis puts Anantnag at the top in terms of per capita drug abuse cases, followed closely by Baramulla and Pulwama. Srinagar, being the urban hub, has also witnessed a spike in substance abuse among youth, particularly in the 18–35 age group.
Reports suggest that a significant number of these users spend anywhere between Rs 60,000 to Rs 90,000 per month on heroin, an addiction that is devastating not only individuals but entire families. More tragically, over 95% of users are below the age of 35, indicating that Kashmir’s youth once seen as the torchbearers of peace and progress are now caught in the grip of an invisible war.
The cycling event marked a beginning ,a first push of the pedal in a journey toward a healthier, safer Kashmir. What made the initiative more impactful was the multi-agency support it received. The organisers extended deep gratitude to DC Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, SSP Traffic, Director School Education Kashmir, J&K Health Department.
Their assistance ensured the event’s smooth conduct and safety, allowing students to raise their voices and pedals ,without fear or disruption.
The sponsor of the event, CEMTAC CEMENTS, was praised for supporting a social cause that goes beyond business. “When corporates step in to back such initiatives, it sends a strong message,” said Haamid Mufti President Coaching Centres of Kashmir.
Special thanks were also extended to “The Grooming Kashmir” and its founder
Ms. Laila Qurashi, whose unwavering commitment to addiction recovery in Kashmir has made her a respected voice in the region.
Emerge Academy has vowed that this was just the beginning of its drug awareness campaign. In the coming weeks, the academy plans to roll out:
. Monthly student-led awareness drives
• School-based workshops on drug prevention
• Collaboration with rehabilitation centres for screenings
• Scholarships for meritorious students
• Advocacy for better addiction treatment infrastructure in Kashmir
Haamid Mufti, speaking at the event’s conclusion, stated: “We cannot wait for miracles to happen or government-only interventions. The change has to come from us ,the teachers, the parents, the students, the civil society. We are all responsible.”
He added that the fight against drugs is not a sprint, but a marathon, and initiatives like Pedal for Drug-Free Kashmir must keep the momentum alive.
As Kashmir faces one of its most dangerous social challenges in decades, the message from ParrayPora to Nishat Garden was clear and unmissable: We ride not just for medals, but for futures. For lives. For Kashmir.