‘Entertainment’ or addiction? Kashmir’s chief cleric sounds alarm on online gambling
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, has raised serious concerns over the rising spread of online gambling in the region. Addressing a gathering of youth during a Nikah Khutba in Srinagar on Monday, he warned that the issue is damaging the moral and social fabric of Kashmiri society.
“A new menace has overtaken us and we are witnessing its growing grip on society — online gambling. As destructive as substance abuse which we are already battling, it’s luring thousands into addiction as ‘entertainment’, destroying them and their families and corroding our moral fabric,” the Mirwaiz said.
He urged immediate action from authorities, stating, “It demands our immediate attention. The government must act on it, it’s their duty. Development is not merely the economic upliftment of people or building infrastructure for them while they are morally and spiritually lowered and lost. That defies its purpose.”
A new menace has overtaken us and we are witnessing its growing grip on society-online gambling. As destructive as substance abuse which we are already battling, it’s luring thousands into addiction as ‘entertainment,’ destroying them and their families and corroding our moral…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir)
The Mirwaiz stressed the need for a well-rounded response. “So, comprehensive plan and actions need to be put in place to ensure that these serious concerns are addressed on an urgent basis. At the community and social level, people also have to be proactive dealing with this. All cannot be left to the government,” he said.
Involvement of society and religious scholars
He underlined the importance of religious leaders in guiding society through this crisis. “Religious scholars have a key role to play in creating moral awareness about these issues in the light of religious teachings and values and disseminate the message among people through all mediums available,” the cleric said.
He also stressed the importance of building personal and social lives on a strong foundation of Islamic values. “Addressing the youth during a Nikah Khutba, where I spoke about the need to build our lives on the foundation of Islamic character, self-control, and social responsibility, in the background of these issues,” the Mirwaiz said.
He made a strong appeal to the judiciary as well saying, “I also appeal to the judiciary to take serious note of this issue and immediately impose a ban on this menace before more damage is done.”
Cyber police uncover large-scale online fraud
The dangers of online gambling are becoming increasingly visible in Kashmir. Many youths, lured by the hope of fast money, end up trapped in addiction and debt. One recent case in north Kashmir involved a youth who became so indebted that his parents had to sell their house and land to cover the losses.
In April, the Jammu and Kashmir Cyber Police exposed a large network of online fraud. Since the start of 2025, they found 7,200 mule bank accounts created across Kashmir.
The mule accounts were used to funnel large sums of money through fake investment schemes and online betting platforms. In recent months, several people have been arrested in connection with these scams, and authorities have seized stake money during ongoing crackdowns.
