Srinagar, May 26: Raising serious concern over the growing trend of online gambling in Kashmir, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Umar Farooq on Sunday said the menace is rapidly gripping society and corroding its moral foundations, much like substance abuse.
Addressing a gathering during a Nikah Khutba, the Mirwaiz said online gambling is being promoted as a form of entertainment, but is in fact luring thousands—especially the youth—into a destructive cycle of addiction. “It is ruining individuals and families alike and must be dealt with urgently,” he warned.
Mirwaiz emphasized that development cannot be measured solely through economic upliftment or infrastructural growth. “If people are morally and spiritually declining, then such development is meaningless,” he said.
He urged the government to take immediate and comprehensive action to curb online gambling, calling it a “duty” towards preserving the moral and spiritual health of the people.
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Calling on the judiciary, Mirwaiz appealed for an immediate and strict ban on online gambling platforms before further damage is inflicted on society.
He also stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling this growing issue. “It cannot be left to the government alone. Religious scholars must come forward to raise awareness about the dangers of such practices in light of Islamic teachings and values,” he added.
The Mirwaiz underlined the need for youth to build their lives on the foundations of Islamic character, self-control, and social responsibility to safeguard themselves and the society from such harmful trends.
