The announcement followed a heated Assembly debate on an adjournment motion by Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala, who warned that Kerala was becoming a "Colombia" of drug cartels
Published Mar 03, 2025 | 4:53 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 03, 2025 | 5:01 PM
Kerala to hold high-level consultation to address youth violence and drug abuse: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Synopsis: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a high-level consultation to address youth violence and drug abuse. Stakeholders, including teachers, parents, student organisations, media, and political parties, will collaborate on an action plan. “This is not just a law-and-order issue, but a deep-rooted social problem,” said Vijayan, stressing the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state will convene a high-level consultation involving a wide range of stakeholders to tackle the growing concerns of youth violence and drug abuse.
The consultation will bring together teachers, parents, student organisations, social and cultural figures, media representatives, political parties, and other key players to formulate an action plan.
“This is not just a law and order issue. It is a deep-rooted social problem that demands immediate attention and a comprehensive approach,” said Chief Minister Vijayan, emphasising the need for a multi-faceted strategy.
The announcement came during a heated debate in the Assembly on an adjournment motion filed by Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala, who claimed that Kerala was becoming a “Colombia” of drug cartels.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan echoed similar concerns, asserting that drugs were accessible “within 15 minutes” in any part of the state.
Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted the alarming rise in violence among youth, attributing it to the pressure of a hyper-competitive and commercialised society.
He stated that children today are too focused on academics, with little room for exploration, socialisation, or forming friendships. This, he said, is taking a toll on their mental well-being.
“Children are living in boxes. We must also talk about the role of families and parenting in shaping young minds,” he added.
The chief minister also criticised the portrayal of violence in films and media, citing the recent Malayalam movie Avesham as an example. According to a police report, after watching the film, some students sought to associate with real-life gangsters.
“Violence is being glorified in cinema, where killers are portrayed as heroes. However, it’s up to the Censor Board to decide whether this trend should continue,” he remarked.
Malayalam comedy-action movie Avesham was certified U/A.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to combat drug abuse, the chief minister announced plans for a statewide mass campaign involving residents’ associations, schools, and police to protect children from addiction.
“Not all violent acts are committed under the influence of drugs, but this issue requires a thorough analysis. We must strengthen law enforcement while also fostering a social environment that shields children from harmful influences,” he said.
The high-level consultation will focus on developing a sustainable, long-term strategy to address these growing challenges in Kerala’s youth population.
Kerala witnessed a series of violent crimes, including ragging, and murders involving youngsters recently.
A 23-year-old man, AR Afan, went on a killing spree, leaving four of his family members and reported girlfriend dead, and his mother injured at Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram on 24 February.
On 1 March, a 16-year-old boy, Mohammed Shahabas, succumbed to injuries suffered in a clash between students of two schools in Kozhikode. Police said the attack was premeditated.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
