Drugs biggest threat to Nation’s future: Rajendra Rana

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday expressed concern over the growing drug menace in Himachal Pradesh, calling it a major threat to the future of the state’s youth. BJP state spokesperson Rajendra Rana urged the state government to effectively implement the Centre’s roadmap for a Drug-Free India by 2029 and demanded the establishment of a regional office or special unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, Rana said the roadmap was prepared during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 26 and called on the state government to implement it with seriousness. He claimed that synthetic drugs and chitta pose a greater threat than terrorism as they are destroying the lives of young people and affecting families across the country.

Rana said the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the police or government alone. He stressed that society, families, educational institutions, social organizations and political parties must work together to create awareness and strengthen the campaign against narcotics. He said the BJP is ready to actively participate in the anti-drug campaign.

Demanding stronger action against drug trafficking, Rana called for the establishment of a regional NCB office or a dedicated unit in Himachal Pradesh to curb interstate smuggling. He said the BJP will soon submit a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the facility. The BJP spokesperson also alleged that the names of some police and administrative officials have surfaced in drug-related cases, describing the matter as extremely serious. He said strict action should be taken against anyone found involved in the drug trade and demanded that the assets of drug smugglers be confiscated and their networks dismantled.

Rana further said that youths struggling with drug addiction should be treated as patients rather than criminals and should be rehabilitated through education, employment and self-employment opportunities. He also urged the state government to launch a large-scale awareness campaign against drug abuse and alleged that the police force was being used more for political purposes than for tackling the growing drug menace.