The drug menace is a serious concern for almost all states in India. But what is unfortunate is that the concerned government authorities are seemingly “unconcerned”. Society will have to pay a heavy price for that. Well, what does one have to say if young people as tender as 12/13 years are addicted to the deadly drugs? Is it not the fault of the authorities in power? Are the parents of the addicts equipped themselves to crack down on the callous drug dealers and peddlers who destroy the lives of their kids? No, absolutely not. Whose job is this, if not police and narcotic departments? Why are we so “silent” while the underhand drug business is “thriving” more than ever before? Drug cartels and peddlers are expanding their network with a vengeance in almost every city and town. Do we know the new brigand of peddlers are all out to pounce upon the new breed of buyers – that could be your children and my children? Why is the government machinery so complacent? This laid-back attitude is indeed detrimental.
One child specialist–Dr Mehta from Rohini, New Delhi, laments — “innumerable youngsters in schools and colleges are ruining their lives. They are completely addicted to various intoxicants. These days certain bad companions always entice the gullible others to try various kinds of addictive drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, hashish, ecstasy et al. This is how one falls prey to drugs which have become a serious threat to countless households.”
True, in high places, the elites of corporate houses, entertainment celebrities and models have succumbed to the temptation of the various expensive intoxicants. These celebrities are directly or indirectly misleading the new generation. The sensational suicide case of film star Sushant Singh Rajput exposed the underbellies of Bollywood. Very importantly, as reported, rampant cases of thefts, robberies, burglaries, and muggings in various cities, towns and villages have direct links with the increase in drug abuse.
Incidentally, many distraught parents say with a deep sense of regret that if the Assam government can tackle the drug malaise head-on, why can’t other states in India? They are absolutely right! The Chief Minister of Assam himself had roared out the “pledge” to drive the final nail in the coffin of the drug dealers. Given the increasing vices, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma never held himself back. He gave full power to the police forces, the intelligence and narcotic agencies to deal with the evil mongers.
What is striking is that the Chief Minister himself drove a bulldozer over the confiscated illegal drugs. At places, he burnt the drugs to ashes. The police departments are on toe round the clock. Is it not commendable? Lakhs of parents have showered blessings upon Dr Himanta Sarma for his unprecedented move. In fact, it was well-intended to save the “youths and the society from disaster.”
It is high time that all states in India should emulate what Assam has done. The Chief Minister of Manipur has also recently followed suit and is determined to fight the drug menace. Many women organisations have come forward to support CM Biren Singh. Before setting out the plan, a state must constitute a high-power committee to help coordinate and monitor the execution. Some changes in the narcotic rules and regulations are also imperative. We should not at all be soft on any forces that contribute to ruining the lives of young children. The police force should be given full powers without political interference.
What is clear here is that in haste, we cannot fight the menace entrenched in society. We need to put concerted efforts, as recently rightly pointed out by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma. All NGOs and the concerned stakeholders must stand together and support the respective governments of the states. It’s everyone’s duty. The vices have penetrated the deep recess of society. Hope this time, the government’s promises of “Nasha Mukt Bharat” will not go up in smoke.
(The writer is a researcher best known for the research-based work’ Great Minds on India’ that has earned worldwide appreciation and translated into Twelve languages)
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