Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today flagged off the brisk walk organized from Haroli to Kangar against drugs in Una district, today. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who organized this programme was also present on the occasion. People from every section, departments and educational institutions also participated.
The Governor himself took part in the walk and gave the message of public awareness against drugs. “I am happy that the spirit with which I am campaigning against drugs in Himachal is getting support from all sections of the society, the government as well.
The Deputy Chief Minister has further strengthened my campaign against drugs. I am sure Himachal is now in a mood to fight a decisive battle against drugs” said he. While addressing a huge public meeting at Kangar, the last stop of the brisk walk, the Governor appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister for organizing the program with new initiatives against drugs and said that it was our duty to make Himachal drug free as the evil of drugs is related to the future of the youth and this campaign was to unite to tackle this challenge.
He said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed concern to him about the increasing drug cases in Devbhoomi. He appreciated the efforts being made by the police administration in this direction and the campaign like "Pradhav" to end drugs.
He expressed contentment that the State Government is doing good work in this regard. He assured that he would talk to the Union government regarding amendments in the law against drug peddlers.
The Governor said that today wars were not fought only with weapons, but indirect wars were being fought by making the youth of the country addicted to drugs. He added that India is a young nation and some of our neighbouring countries were doing mischief by Exploiting the youth of our Country.
He said that there were about 3000 prisoners in the jails of Himachal Pradesh, out of which more than 40 percent of the prisoners were involved in offences of drug abuse. He said that Una being a border district was vulnerable to drug peddlers and in such a situation, this program was important.
On the occasion, the Governor launched the helpline number 94180-64444. He also released the poster giving further messages to the anti-drug campaign. While welcoming the Governor, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that he has started this mega campaign from Haroli on the call of the Governor.
He said that this was a well thought fight against drugs. Anyone involved in this illegal trade, no matter how influential he or she may be, will not be spared, he said, adding that this fight was to safeguard the future of young generations. For this, every person needs to spread awareness from every house.
Shri Agnihotri said that there was a need to bring changes in the laws related to drugs. There should be no provision of bail in this and the property of the persons involved in such illegal business should be confiscated and for this the central government needs to cooperate for amendment of the Law.
He said that a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Central Government through the Legislative Assembly. He said that synthetic drugs have become a big challenge today, which has reached far-flung villages. Strict steps were being taken at every level to stop the smuggling of drugs from the borders of the State.
He said that those who give protection to such persons should also be brought before the society. He said that there should be a public boycott of such people. The Deputy Chief Minister said that this mega campaign started from Haroli would be made more effective.
He urged the people that they could keep every expectation from him in the matter of development but no cooperation would be given if caught in the matter of drugs. On the occasion, Acting Director General of Police, Satwant Atwal Trivedi said that in terms of population, Himachal has come second after Punjab in the prevalence of drugs, which was a matter of concern.
She said that keeping this seriousness in mind, the State Police has started a campaign named 'Pradhav'. Under this, online discussions were held with around 16000 students from 160 schools. An online competition was also organized by the Governor in the month of March this year.
Kumari Aastha Agnihotri Daughter of Mukesh Agnihotri also expressed her views on the occasion. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Raghav Sharma informed about various programs and activities being executed against drugs in the district.
On this occasion, a cultural program based on the theme of drug addiction was also organized, under which Master Salim and other artists performed. Prof. Simmi Agnihotri, wife of Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, senior officers and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.