Members in J&K assembly express concern over drug addiction

Srinagar, Aug 24 (UNI) Concerned over the reports of drug addiction menace, Jammu and Kashmir Minister Taj Mohiuddin today informed the Legislative Council that state police has already started a special drive against it.

However, he denied that drug addiction was alarmingly spreading in the cities and major towns of the state.

Replying to a question by Leader of the Opposition in the house, Abdul Rahim Rather, Mr Taj said some cases of drug addiction have been received from different parts of the state.

He said the government has no information about the reports that this menace is also penetrating some educational institutions.

Mr Rather quoted press reports about drugs being supplied to students in a Pulwama school.

Not satisfied with the reply of the minister, Mr Rather said he did not agree with the minister that the menace was not spreading alarmingly.

Mr Rather wanted to know about the people arrested, produced before the court of law and punished for the crime.

The minister said 137 drug addiction cases have been registered in different police stations against drug smugglers and suppliers during the first six months of this year.

He said state police has already started a special drive to eradicate drug addiction menace from society. Special raids are being conducted to nab the drug peddlers.

He said the police in different areas also set up drug de-addiction camps.

Mr Taj said government and other members of the house were equally concerned over the drug addiction as it concerns the future of our youths.

Mr Rather, who wanted to know the number of persons punished by the court, said that only registering cases against the drug peddlers and other smugglers would hardly make any differences.

When Mr Taj said that he would give information about the court cases and punishment awarded to accused, Mr Rather wanted to defer the question since the answer of the minister was incomplete.

Later, Deputy Speaker, who was in the chair, deferred the question and directed minister to come with full answer during this session.

UNI