NC, PDP trying to derail Nasha Mukht J&K Campaign: BJP
Says drug economy is faces crackdown
Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday accused the National Conference and PDP of attempting to derail the ongoing “Nasha Mukht Jammu and Kashmir” campaign launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s State Office in Jawahar Nagar Srinagar, the BJP leaders said that the 100 day anti-drug campaign has received unprecedented support from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly students from schools, colleges and youth organisations, as society has united against the growing menace of drugs and narco terrorism.
Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur strongly criticised the ruling National Conference for allegedly trying to politicise a serious social issue. He said that a drug free Jammu and Kashmir remains a committed mission of the BJP and the party will continue to support every strict measure aimed at dismantling the drug network operating in the Union Territory.
Thakur appreciated the decisive actions taken by the LG administration against drug peddlers, including attachment and demolition of illegally acquired properties linked to narcotics trade.
He stated that narco terrorism has emerged as a grave national security challenge and asserted that the government must act with absolute firmness to destroy the entire ecosystem facilitating drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP State spokesperson, Er. Sahil Bashir, launched a scathing attack on the PDP, accusing the party of indirectly defending and legitimising drug peddlers through its recent statements and Tweets.
He said it was deeply unfortunate that instead of standing firmly with the youth and families devastated by drug addiction, certain political parties were attempting to create sympathy for those involved in poisoning society for financial gain. He maintained that anybody found involved in the narcotics trade deserves strict legal action rather than political cover or selective outrage.
Speaking on the occasion, BJP spokesperson Danish Bhat strongly criticised UT Minister Sakina Itoo over what he termed as an irresponsible and divisive statement regarding the anti-drug campaign.
Danish Bhat said that at a time when society is collectively supporting the movement against drugs, attempts to give the campaign a regional or political colour are highly unfortunate and damaging to public interest.
He further stated that Sakina Itoo, who holds crucial portfolios such as Health and Education, should act responsibly and support the larger public movement instead of making statements that weaken the fight against narcotics. Bhat demanded that she be removed from the cabinet for attempting to politicise an issue directly linked to the future of the youth.
Danish Bhat also urged the LG administration to widen the scope of investigation into the drug network and examine the possible complicity and protection extended to drug mafias during previous regimes.
He said the visible discomfort and reaction from certain regional parties clearly indicates that the ongoing crackdown has severely impacted the entrenched drug economy operating in Jammu and Kashmir for years.
