Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today launched a sharp attack on the National Conference-Congress Government in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging failure to curb the growing drug menace in the Union Territory and accusing it of adopting a soft approach towards traffickers and peddlers.
Addressing a press conference, BJP spokespersons Rajni Sethi, Ankit Gupta and Parimoksh Seth said drug trafficking and addiction had emerged as major challenges for the youth of J&K, but the ruling dispensation had failed to take effective steps despite being in power for the last one and a half years.
The BJP leaders while referring to the 100-day anti-drug campaign launched recently by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, said strict action was being taken against drug peddlers across J&K. They said measures such as seizure of illegal properties and demolition of structures linked to the drug trade, were necessary to protect society from narcotics.
The party also criticized remarks made by some NC leaders, including Health Minister Sakina Itoo, over action against alleged drug smugglers. BJP leaders said such statements appeared to weaken the campaign against narcotics instead of supporting decisive measures.
Rajni Sethi said the BJP considers drug traffickers no less than terrorists as they are destroying the future of the younger generation. She said traffickers have no religion, caste or region, and anyone involved in spreading drugs among youth is an enemy of society.
Parimoksh Seth alleged that misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and illegal sale of prescription medicines were rising and sought strict regulation of pharmacies.
Ankit Gupta said promises made in the NC election manifesto to fight drugs on a war footing had remained confined to speeches, with little visible action on the ground.
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