Jammu and Kashmir Police Additional Director General (Armed) Anand Jain on Sunday flagged off the ‘Run for Fun—Jammu Marathon 2025’ from Gulshan Ground in Jammu.
The marathon witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 3,000 participants, including youth, fitness enthusiasts, and local residents, joining the event.
Speaking to mediapersons, ADGP Anand Jain stated, “The marathon aims to spread the message that youth should stay away from drugs and spend their time on education and fitness.”
The initiative is part of the J&K Police’s ongoing efforts to promote wellness and health while combating the menace of drug abuse, which has increasingly affected the youth of the Union Territory.
According to official statistics from the Central Government, approximately 10 lakh people—around 8% of J&K’s total population—are affected by substance abuse.
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In August 2023, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment reported to the Indian Parliament that an estimated 13.50 lakh drug users exist in J&K, with the majority falling within the age bracket of 18 to 75 years.
Additionally, figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that J&K has around 60,000 drug addicts, with drug usage rising by 1,500 per cent over the past three years.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also revealed that more than 50 per cent of those affected are addicted to opioids.
A survey conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration last year found that over 52,000 individuals in the Kashmir Valley admitted to heroin use.
The study further revealed that an average user spends approximately ₹88,000 per month to sustain their addiction.
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