Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab while speaking on the floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha today strongly said that the flow of drugs from Pakistan and Afghanistan through borders situated along Punjab territory was the most serious issue, which should be sorted out on priority to save our younger generations. Seeking cooperation from Punjab Pradesh Congress Party and Leader of Opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar, the Deputy CM said that it was not an issue of a singular party and it should be taken as joint mission. He appealed that a joint delegation of SAD-BJP and Congress legislators should meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde to mount pressure on center in this regard. He said that with its proactive approach the Punjab Police has launched a sustained drive against drugs and also registered a record recovery of drugs.
Asking Jakhar that it was the bounden duty of Union Government to prevent the smuggling of drugs from international border, Mr. Badal said that the international borders have fallen in the jurisdiction of BSF and Union Government should make the central force more accountable and responsible in this regard. He said that joint initiatives should be taken against this social menace.Badal said that Rajasthan Government should also prevent the cross border smuggling of Opium and poppy husk. He said that earlier he had also raised the issue with the Rajasthan Government in this regard and they should take immediate action in this regard.Reiterating resolve of SAD-BJP government to eliminate menace of drugs from Punjab, Mr. Badal said that during last 9 months the Punjab Police has registered 11500 cases besides arresting 13270 persons indulged in such practices. He said that clear and strict directions have been issued to all Police Commissioners and SSPs to adopt zero tolerance against drugs.