The News Now
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the reported demise of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, calling it an “irreparable loss” to India’s cultural and musical heritage, while also strongly advocating for a focused and united fight against drug abuse in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters as per The News Now in Jammu, Choudhary said the contribution of icons like Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar transcends generations, adding that their songs have been cherished by audiences for decades and will continue to resonate with future generations.
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“These legends are the pride of our nation. Their music has lived through generations—from our grandparents to our children—and will continue to do so. If such a personality has passed away, it is a deeply tragic moment for the entire country and the global community of music lovers,” he said as per The News Now. He added that the void created by such stalwarts in the music industry may take decades, if not longer, to fill.
Offering condolences, Choudhary prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to cope with the loss.
Shifting focus to the growing drug menace, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for clarity and prioritization in tackling substance abuse. He cautioned against conflating different forms of addiction and stressed that the immediate priority should be to curb the spread of hard drugs such as heroin and synthetic substances like “chitta,” which he described as a major threat to society.
“Drug abuse is not a matter of joke. We must not confuse people. There is a difference between alcohol consumption and the dangerous drugs that are destroying our youth. Our priority must be to eliminate these deadly substances that are entering homes and ruining lives,” he said as per The News Now.
Referring to the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, Choudhary urged collective participation from all sections of society, including religious leaders, civil society groups, educational institutions, and community organizations, to ensure its success.
He highlighted the alarming impact of drug abuse, noting that many families have already lost young members to addiction. “This menace is wiping out our نسل (generations). We have seen deaths in many families. It is not just an individual issue—it is a societal crisis,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also called upon the media to play a responsible role in raising awareness and not trivializing the issue. He urged citizens to actively report drug peddling through government helplines and support enforcement agencies.
Choudhary acknowledged the critical role of law enforcement agencies, including the police and intelligence units, in tracking the sources and networks involved in drug trafficking. He reiterated concerns about cross-border drug inflow and stressed the need for coordinated action to curb it.
“Stopping consumption alone is not enough. We must target those supplying and distributing drugs. Identifying the sources and breaking the network is crucial,” he added.
Reiterating his appeal, Choudhary urged people not to mix different narratives around substance use, warning that such confusion could dilute the effectiveness of anti-drug initiatives.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks as per The News Now come amid intensified efforts by the administration to combat drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir through awareness drives, enforcement measures, and community participation.
