India, April 1 -- The Government of Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday acknowledged the growing menace of drug abuse in the Union Territory, stating that the issue-particularly among youth-has emerged as a serious social and public health concern requiring sustained and coordinated intervention.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Sham Lal Sharma in the Assembly, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that J&K, like several other regions in the country, is facing the challenge of increasing use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

"It is a fact that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is confronted with the menace of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This challenge has particularly affected a section of t...