Mirwaiz concerned over growing trend of online gambling in IIOJK
Srinagar: All Parties Hurriyat Conference senior leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of online gambling, disguised as various sports, including cricket, football etc that have taken hold of the youth.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing the faithful at Jamia Masjid in srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, during Friday sermon, said it is tragic enough to be grappling with the crisis of drug addiction and now another menace has taken root in our society. Giving details he said hundreds of young people, driven by the allure of making quick money, have fallen victim to these gambling apps, forcing many families to sell their homes and assets to cover the massive debts incurred by their addicted members, mostly youth.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq cited distressing examples of some youth who have lost lakhs of rupees, casting heavy financial burdens on their families and destroying them emotionally.
He said in Islam gambling in every form is strictly prohibited as it breeds greed and avarice and ruins lives, razing our spiritual and moral foundation.
Reminding the congregation, he emphasised the social cost of addiction of every kind leads to the fast erosion of the social fabric of society and ultimately its end .
“Our young people need meaningful opportunities, not harmful distractions that eventually drain their finances and ruin their futures”, he said.
Mirwaiz urged the authorities to take a decisive action, noting that many states in India like Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland have already banned these gambling apps.