Posing with those accused for patronizing drug trade in Punjab, Modi warn Pakistan against drugs infiltration

Amritsar/ Pathankot (April 26, 2014): Drugs abuse has grown as a big problem in Punjab. Various studies suggest that majority of Punjab youth is in death grip of very harmful drugs. Though there has been occasional seizure of huge quantity of drugs being smuggled into Punjab from Indo-Pak international border in Punjab, the drug trade has been growing almost unchecked. Punjab is turning to be part of infamous international drugs smuggling route with considerable ‘capacity of consumption’ of drugs.

It is being considered that such a ‘growth’ in drugs trade was not possible without political patronizing and administrative participation. Name of many Punjab politicians, mainly belonging to, but not limited to, ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) recently surfaced as major players of drugs trade in Punjab.

Narendra Modi at Amritsar rally [April 25, 2014]

Jagdish Bhola, a dismissed Punjab cop, who is facing criminal charges in an international drugs racket openly named Bikram Majithia, one of the main leaders of Badal Dal, as patron of the drugs trade in Majha region of Punjab.

Former Punjab DGP (Prisons) Shashi Kant recently disclosed name of Punjab politicians, including two ministers who were allegedly involved in drugs trade. According to Shashi Kant he had prepared a detailed report naming these politicians, besides many others, in 2007. According to him, the report was submitted to the Badal government but the government did not take action against any of the persons named in it.

On April 25, while addressing election rallies in Pathankot and Amritsar in Punjab, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi warned Pakistan against drugs infiltration ‘aimed at breaking up India’. He blamed the UPA led central government of India for it’s negligence that, according to Modi, led to ‘deterioration of character of border security forces’.

Narendra Modi shared these concerns while posing with those (Bikram Majithia could be seen in picture as above) who are accused for patronizing the drugs trade in Punjab.