Jammu: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday criticised the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging it failed to take effective action against the growing drug menace in the Union Territory.
The BJP spokespersons Rajni Sethi, Ankit Gupta and Parimoksh Seth accused the NC-Congress government of adopting a “soft approach” towards drug peddlers despite being in power for the past one-and-a-half years.
“Why is NC soft on drug peddlers? What is this relationship called? Lieutenant Governor (LG’s)100-day mission against drug trafficking is a highly commendable initiative and is receiving support from the police department as well as civil society organisations. However, no minister, MLA, or senior representative from the NC government has actively supported the campaign or publicly demanded strict punishment for drug peddlers,” BJP spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajni Sethi, told reporters here.
Calling drug traffickers “no less than terrorists”, Sethi said those involved in the narcotics trade were poisoning society and destroying the future of the youth. “The BJP considers drug traffickers no less than terrorists because they are poisoning society and destroying the future of young boys and girls. Those involved in drug trafficking should face punishment similar to that given to terrorists. But the NC leadership repeatedly shows sympathy toward anti-social elements, as the party had earlier objected to action against individuals supporting terrorism,” she said.
Sethi said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consistently advocated a policy of “zero tolerance for terrorism” and “zero tolerance for drugs”, under which several measures are being implemented across the country.
She accused NC leaders of attempting to communalise the issue and said drug traffickers have no religion, caste or regional identity.
The BJP leaders praised the initiatives taken by the LG under the recently launched 100-day anti-drug campaign, saying strict measures such as seizure of illegal properties, demolition of structures linked to drug trafficking and cancellation of Aadhaar cards of drug peddlers were being undertaken to curb narcotics trade in Jammu and Kashmir.
The party, however, criticised statements made by NC leaders, particularly Health Minister Sakina Itoo, regarding action against alleged drug smugglers.
“We strongly criticised the statements made by NC leaders, especially Health Minister Sakina Itoo, regarding action against drug smugglers. Her recent remarks are shameful and unfortunate as her statements appeared to defend drug traffickers rather than support strict action against them,” she alleged.
BJP leaders said by calling the demolition of houses linked to drug trafficking “targeted action”, NC leaders were exposing their political mindset and indirectly supporting those involved in destroying society through narcotics.
The BJP questioned the government over the lack of proper rehabilitation infrastructure, especially for women and young girls affected by drug addiction.
Sethi demanded the establishment of separate rehabilitation centres for women with female doctors, staff and CCTV surveillance facilities.
Parimoksh Seth said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” in 2020 and alleged that the chief minister and senior leaders of NC, PDP and Congress were not participating in anti-drug campaigns in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also raised concerns over the alleged misuse and illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs and Schedule H medicines, questioning the Health Ministry over the regulation of pharmacies.
Ankit Gupta said the NC government had promised in its election manifesto to fight drugs on a war footing, but claimed that there has been little action on the ground. The BJP leaders alleged that promises regarding the expansion of rehabilitation centres, separate de-addiction facilities for women and strengthening preventive mechanisms remained unfulfilled.
