By Ashoke Raj
Ludhiana (Punjab) [India], May 25 (ANI): Acknowledging that drugs are entering via international border, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjeev Arora on Saturday said that Punjab government has intensified its crackdown to curb the drug menace in the state.
"Punjab has a long border area, particularly around Firozpur and the Wagah-Attari border, which smugglers are exploiting to traffic drugs into the state. Our AAP government is seriously committed to curbing this issue," Sanjeev Arora told ANI.
Highlighting that the drug problem in Punjab is not new, Arora said that this mess has been inherited from previous administrations that failed to address it effectively.
"Under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is making maximum efforts to tackle this issue. We are implementing various measures, such as initiating sports activities to engage youth and all age groups in sports tournaments to keep them away from drugs. Additionally, the government has started small and medium enterprises to create job opportunities, keeping people involved in productive activities and away from drug-related activities," Arora said.
Drugs and their impact are critical issues in Punjab ahead of the general election, with all parties promising to curb or eliminate drug smuggling if they come to power.
He expressed confidence that AAP will secure a significant number of seats in the upcoming general election. The final phase of voting will take place on June 1, with Punjab casting their votes for their leaders. The results of the 2024 general election will be announced on June 4.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Aam Aadmi Party are the "wholesale traders of drugs" adding that they failed to fulfil its promises related to the eradication of drugs in Punjab.
"They (AAP) promised that within two months they will put an end to the trade of drugs in the state. Today drug dealers are getting licences without paying any cost. Families are being ruined here. In Delhi, they are involved in an excise policy scam. The people of Punjab have understood that the people of 'Jhaadu' party are wholesale traders of drugs. How can they avoid getting black money from the trades of drugs?" he said. (ANI)
