CM seeks society's participation in its fight against drugs

Shimla, Dec 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today sought active participation of panchayats, mahila and yuvak mandals, students and NGOs in rooting out the menace of drugs from the society.

Presiding over a state level function held under ''Nasha Niwaran Abhiyan'' at Mandi, he said the path of total prohibition shown by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was the guiding principle of the campaign, which had been organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.

Mr Singh said Gandhiji was of the strong opinion that healthy society leads to overall development of the nation, adding that drug abuse needed to be eradicated totally.

Gujarat had set an example for the rest of the state by introducing total prohibition immediately after independence, he said.

He said merely enforcing laws would not eradicate this social evil and the active participation of various segments of the society was necessary.

The tobacco control law, effective in the country since May 1, 2004, which prohibited smoking in public places and a complete ban on all advertisements showing tobacco products was showing exceptional results, he said.

He said spreading awareness about the drugs was the only way in taking the society on to the path of progress and development.

Urging the people to abstain from any form of drugs, he said this was essential to build a healthy and a drug free society and country.

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