Chandigarh, Sep 16 (IANS) The Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP’s) ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, with Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asking the BJP to answer three fundamental questions before staging a political march in the state.
Minister Cheema asked: “Why is the BJP failing to stop drug consignments linked to Gujarat and Rajasthan? Why is it targeting Punjab when the 55-km international border belt falls under the BSF? and why does it want Punjab’s water to flow to Haryana and Rajasthan?”
The Minister said the BJP must first act against drug networks in its own-ruled states, secure the border under the Centre’s responsibility and clarify its stand on Punjab’s rights before attempting to lecture Punjab on the drug menace.
He highlighted the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, the deployment of anti-drone systems and action by the Punjab Police against traffickers beyond the state.
He challenged the BJP to first act against drug networks and strengthen security in BJP-ruled states before taking out a march against drugs in Punjab.
Cheema told the media that the period between 2007 and 2017, when the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government was in power in Punjab, witnessed a major expansion of the drug problem in the state.
“The term ‘chitta’ emerged, and became widely associated with the drug crisis during that period, and drugs were being openly distributed across Punjab. Government vehicles were also being misused for drug trafficking. When investigations into drug-related cases were underway, an ED (Enforcement Directorate) officer was transferred from Jalandhar.”
Questioning the BJP-led Central government’s role in securing Punjab’s international border, Minister Cheema said, “A 55-kilometre belt along the Pakistan border comes under the BSF. Despite the Centre having direct responsibility in this area, the BJP continues to target Punjab over the drug issue. The Bhagwant Mann government, on the other hand, has taken action against drug traffickers and strengthened the capabilities of the Punjab Police, including by introducing anti-drone systems to counter the smuggling of drugs through drones.”
He emphasised that the state government had adopted a two-pronged approach to tackle the drug problem.
“We are taking action against drug traffickers while also ensuring treatment for people suffering from drug addiction. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued strict directions to officials that no drug trafficker or peddler should be spared. Action must continue against everyone involved in the illegal drug trade,” he said.
Responding to a media query about the death of Gulzar Singh, Cheema said, “The Opposition is doing ‘politics over dead bodies’, and I have nothing to do with the matter. The case is currently before the (High) Court, and therefore I will not make extensive comments on it. The family’s original statement is already in the public domain. People have seen it and know the facts surrounding the matter.”
–IANS
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