We Kashmiris Are Heading Towards a Huge Catastrophe – Our Generation Is at Risk
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Benevolent.
By: Javid Amin
We, the people of Kashmir, are facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. From the outside, our valley may seem serene and beautiful, yet within, a storm brews—threatening the soul, strength, and survival of our people. This article is a call to conscience, a plea for reflection, and a roadmap toward revival. As we tread dangerously close to societal collapse, we must recognize that our generation is at risk—and the time to act is now.
An Overview of the Kashmir Crisis: More Than Just a Political Conflict
Kashmir is no stranger to turmoil. Decades of political instability, conflict, and economic suppression have shaped our collective memory. But today, we face something deeper—a multi-dimensional crisis that encompasses social decay, moral collapse, and economic devastation.
The Core Dimensions of the Current Kashmir Crisis:
- Drug Menace & Substance Abuse
- Immoral Activities & Cultural Degradation
- Business Crash & Unemployment
- Mental Health Breakdown & Suicide Rates
- Climate Change & Natural Disasters
- Spiritual Disconnection & Religious Neglect
Drug Menace: The Silent Killer in Our Homes
One of the most alarming trends in Kashmir today is the exponential rise in drug abuse among youth. What was once whispered in corners has now become a tragic epidemic.
Shocking Statistics:
- Over 67,000 active drug users in Kashmir as per recent health surveys.
- Hospitals report daily admissions of young men and women battling addiction.
- Heroin, cannabis, codeine-based syrups, and pharmaceutical opioids are commonly abused.
Causes of the Drug Crisis:
- Unemployment and lack of opportunities.
- Peer pressure and broken homes.
- Weak enforcement of drug laws.
- Easy access to narcotics due to porous borders.
Islamic Perspective:
“Do not kill yourselves, for verily Allah is to you Most Merciful” (Qur’an 4:29)
Islam strictly prohibits anything that harms the body or mind. As a community, we must rally around addicts with rehabilitation, not rejection. Our mosques, madrasas, and homes must become centers of healing.
Immoral Activities & Cultural Collapse
From TikTok obscenity to late-night parties in hotels, the once-modest Kashmiri society is witnessing a cultural decay at a rapid pace.
Key Concerns:
- Public obscenity and rise of vulgarity in digital spaces.
- Growth of illegal relationships under the guise of “freedom.”
- Decline in Islamic values and rise in secular materialism.
Real-Life Observation:
It’s not uncommon now to witness girls and boys in illicit relationships, parents turning a blind eye, and young people glamorizing indecency. Where are our values? Where is our Ghairah (honor)?
A Message to Youth:
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Qur’an 17:32)
Let us encourage our youth to seek halal paths—marriage, modesty, and spiritual growth.
Business Crash & the Economic Meltdown
The economy of Kashmir is bleeding. Once self-reliant sectors like horticulture, handicrafts, and tourism are crumbling.
Indicators of Economic Collapse:
- Over 70% of local businesses reported heavy losses post-2019.
- Apple industry suffered due to untimely snowfall, transport issues, and lack of market access.
- Youth migration in search of jobs is increasing.
Why This Is Dangerous:
- Financial frustration breeds crime and depression.
- Family structures weaken due to poverty.
- Drug abuse thrives when economic hope dies.
What Islam Teaches:
“The honest, trustworthy merchant will be with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” (Tirmidhi)
Supporting local businesses, skill development, and halal entrepreneurship is not just economic policy—it’s Islamic duty.
Natural Disasters & Climate Change: Signs from Allah?
The recent droughts, floods, snow failures, and sudden temperature shifts are not coincidences. They are signs and warnings.
Kashmir’s Environmental Distress:
- The Jhelum River level has hit a historical low.
- Srinagar’s air quality is deteriorating.
- Dal Lake is dying due to pollution and neglect.
The Religious Connection:
“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned…” (Qur’an 30:41)
We must adopt sustainable lifestyles as a form of worship. Save water, plant trees, avoid waste, and reduce pollution.
Mental Health Breakdown & Rising Suicide Rates
Kashmir has witnessed a frightening rise in suicide cases, especially among teenagers and young adults.
Mental Health Snapshot:
- Over 35% of youth show signs of depression or anxiety.
- Access to mental health professionals is scarce.
- Stigma around therapy leads to silence.
Community Solution:
- Train Imams and scholars in basic counseling.
- Integrate Qur’anic healing with professional therapy.
- Open community wellness centers in every district.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
Our Spiritual Disconnect: The Real Crisis
When Salah is missed, Qur’an is shelved, and the Masjid is empty—we must realize that we are spiritually bankrupt.
Key Indicators:
- Low mosque attendance.
- Social media addiction.
- Lack of Islamic education in schools.
The Need of the Hour:
- Make Qur’an classes and Islamic seminars attractive.
- Support Islamic scholars and youth Da’wah groups.
- Focus on Taqwa, Ihsan, and Tawakkul in daily life.
“Whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life…” (Qur’an 20:124)
Community Call-to-Action: 10 Practical Steps to Save Our Generation
- Establish Drug De-addiction Centers in every district.
- Organize Modesty & Morality Campaigns in schools and colleges.
- Launch Buy-Local Drives to revive businesses.
- Train Imams as Mental Health First Responders.
- Set up Quranic Healing & Counseling Centers.
- Push for Skill Development Hubs across rural Kashmir.
- Start Monthly Valley-Wide Clean-Up Drives.
- Introduce Moral Science & Islamic Studies in curricula.
- Engage Youth in Productive Islamic Events.
- Create Social Media Awareness Campaigns to counter harmful trends.
Final Reflections: Hope in Times of Crisis
It is true—we are heading toward a huge catastrophe. But as people of Imaan, we never despair.
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)
Let us return to Allah with sincerity, reform our homes, realign our priorities, and reconnect with our Islamic roots.
May Allah SWT guide us, protect our children, bless our valley, and heal our wounds.
