Srinagar, March 5 -- Several MLAs questioned the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to combat the drug menace. They called for the establishment of an expert panel and a House committee to examine the issue in depth.

Minister for Health Sakina Itoo acknowledged the severity of the problem but highlighted the impact of the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyan' launched in September 2022.

"There has been an alarming increase in drug addiction among the youth of J&K. However, after the launch of 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyan', records indicate a slight decline in new registrations," Itoo said in the House while responding to a question by National Conference (NC) MLA Mubarak Gul during the Question Hour.

She informed the House that 25,402 drug addicts have been r...