Mirwaiz urges Govt to ban gambling apps in Kashmir

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Addressing the faithful during a Juma sermon at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced deep concern over the rise of online gambling in Kashmir, often disguised as sports, including cricket.

He noted that this issue, alongside an existing drug addiction crisis, is creating new social challenges for the community.

Mirwaiz highlighted that hundreds of young people, lured by the promise of quick money, are falling victim to gambling apps.

This addiction has forced many families to sell their homes and assets to cover significant debts incurred, primarily by young men.

He shared distressing examples of youth losing lakhs of rupees, placing heavy financial and emotional burdens on their families.

Mirwaiz emphasized that Islam strictly prohibits all forms of gambling, which he said fosters greed and harms both spiritual and moral values.

He warned that such addictions accelerate the breakdown of society’s social fabric.

Pointing to the state’s high youth unemployment rate of 40 percent, Mirwaiz argued that the lack of job opportunities is pushing many toward risky ventures like online gambling.

“Our young people need meaningful opportunities, not harmful distractions that drain their finances and ruin their futures,” he remarked.

He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to take decisive action, noting that several Indian states, including Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland, have already banned gambling apps.

“We call on the government to follow suit and implement an immediate ban to protect our youth and society from further harm,” he added.

Mirwaiz also called on the community’s ulemas and imams to address this issue in mosques.

He emphasized the role of parents in staying vigilant and warned about the dangers of excessive screen time and social media use, which he said detracts from productive and meaningful lives.

He called upon all community members to recognize these dangers and work collectively to safeguard the future of the youth and the community as a whole. — (KIMS)