Scary situation
The Himalayan Times
28
June 2013
Scary situation
Looking closely at the increasing number of
drug users in the country as publicized by the Home Ministry on the occasion of
the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking “Statistics
paint scary picture of drug use” (THT, 27, June 2013, Page 2), one can only say
that such a large scale of drug abuse is really nerve-racking. According to the
data, the percentage of drug use among the young people varies from one group
of users to anther. The unemployed people tops the list standing at almost 50
percent, employed people at 29 percent and students especially of 6-10 grade,
SLC appeared and Plus Two students at 21 percent. There has been tremendous
increase in the number of drug users (current number 91543) against the official
data in 2008 (46309).
The actual number could be much higher if
in-depth survey had been done. I am not so sure whether there has been any
thorough study done by any INGO/NGOs. However, the official data clearly
indicates that the number of drug addicts in the country is increasing at an
alarming rate despite of police crackdown on drug traffickers. There could be
several factors that might be contributing to the increase in the numbers of
those who indulge in substance. abuse Among them could be extreme poverty,
stress, family disputes, curiosity and failure in studies. Unless the root
causes are identified and properly addressed, the number of drug abusers in the
country will continue to increase in the coming days.
Most of the petty crimes in the country are
found to be related to drug and alcohol addiction as cited in the news report. Such
crimes disturb the peace and harmony in the family and community that could
ultimately sooner or later affect the entire nation. For this, the government
and concerned authorities need to be serious in implementing strict measures
against the organised drug trafficking. The police needs to be more vigilant in
tracking down the culprits and appropriately punishing them in order to discourage
others from such anti-social activities.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
