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| Despite ban, opium cultivation continues in Kishtwar | | |  Asif Iqbal Naik
Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 29: Despite government order ban on opium crop which is the main source of heroin, cultivation of this crop, it is flourishing in villages situated in the outskirts of Kishtwar town under the nose of agencies responsible for checking such activities.
As per the details available with "Early Times", the open blooming opium fields can be seen in many areas in the areas less than 4-5 KM from Kishtwar District headquarter. Even some local farmer are cultivating the crop within municipal limits and claimed that they are using Khaskash (Kashmiri name of opium) for salt tea purpose, which is an ancient tradition as it gives white color and added aroma to tea.
"We are aware that opium could be used for production of heroin, but for that huge quantity is required-we cultivate it for personal use in the area of around 150-200 feet" said an Opium cultivator adding that they have nothing to do with any drug business.
As per the practice, the traditional, labor-intensive method of obtaining the latex is to scratch (score) the immature seed pods (fruits) by hand; the latex leaks out and dries to a sticky yellowish residue that is later scraped off and dehydrated. The Opium for illegal use is often converted into heroin, which is less bulky, making it easier to smuggle, and which multiplies its potency to anywhere from twice to four times that of morphine.
When contacted Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Ghulam Nabi Balwan said that the cultivation of the crop is banned under law and there was no question that administration has accorded permission to anyone in the district and assured that he will look into the issue and will issue necessary directions to the concerned agencies to take immediate and necessary steps towards destruction of opium crop.
A senior police officer in Kishtwar told "Early Times" that the directions had already been passed to every police officer including SHO's and Police Post in charge for mapping of grey areas including areas where cultivation of Opium crop and cannabis is presently going on added that they have been instructed to involve the local people of the area and destroy both opium as well as cannabis crops with active help of people. He said that police is also taking the help of females who are voluntary coming forward for such things including for eradication of illicit liquor trade.
In addition to administration and police, excise department is also responsible for prevention of cultivation of Opium crop, but despite repeated attempt to take the version of the department, Deputy Excise Commissioner Jammu did not respond. |
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