, March 5 -- JAMMU: Cutting across party lines, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly members on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the rising drug addiction in the region, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to order a discussion to seek suggestions from the House on anti-drug measures.

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...