SHIMLA, 12.02.25-MLA Sanjay Awasthi said that BJP leaders are doing politics even on the issue of drugs. He alleged that BJP is not concerned about the youth, because while in power, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur neither took any strict action against the drug mafia nor took any steps towards making a strict law. He said that the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act) remained pending during the entire five-year tenure of the previous BJP government, while the Congress government issued its notification within just four months after coming to power and started strict action against the drug mafia. He said that this legal provision allows the detention of those who are repeatedly found involved in drug trafficking, so that the security of the society could be ensured. So far, the sponsoring authority has presented 81 cases under this law.

Sanjay Awasthi said that on the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in the last six months, the police have intensified the crackdown on drug mafia, busted their network and seized their illegal properties. In the last three years, illegally acquired property worth Rs. 16 crore has been seized, out of which property worth about Rs. 9 crore was seized last year. The MLA further said that the present state government is also forming a special task force to deal strictly against the drug mafia. This task force will especially focus on crimes related to drug and narcotics trafficking. The Special Task Force will be provided with the necessary resources, authority and autonomy so that it can effectively deal with the growing menace of drug abuse. Apart from this, dedicated police stations will also be set up under the task force, which will make our action on drug-related crimes more effective.

MLA Sanjay Awasthi said that during the tenure of the previous BJP Government, eight people died due to consumption of poisonous liquor in Sundernagar of Mandi district. Therefore, BJP leaders should look into their own affairs and instead of doing politics on the future of the youth, they should cooperate in the steps being taken by the state government against the drug mafia. Cooperation of all sections of the society is necessary to eradicate this social evil from its roots and the opposition should also support the state government with a positive attitude against drug abuse.