State govts. should take steps against drug menace rather than protesting: BJP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao on Monday urged the state governments to take all possible steps to curb drug abuse rather than just protesting against it.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about this in his programme 'Mann Ki Bat' on radio, a few weeks ago. I think political parties are also trying to echo similar sentiments. But, what is expected of the state government is to take all the possible steps in their own command, rather than merely protesting at the international border," Rao said.

He also said that the drug menace has become a serious problem for youths in many parts of the country and more so in a state like Punjab.

"I think these protests will be symbolic but there is a responsibility for every party, every government to act against this menace so that we can completely eliminate the problem of drug trafficking and drug abuse," he added.

The party's reaction came in after the Shiromani Akali Dal decided to hold a sit-in near the international borders today to pitch for 'greater vigilance along the border with Pakistan' to stop flow of narcotics into the state.

The two-hour dharnas will be held near the Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadqi check points in Amritsar, Ferozepur and Fazilka border districts respectively.

Earlier, the Punjab Congress had announced to stage a sit-in today at the district headquarters demanding dismissal of the Punjab government for allegedly inciting people against the security forces. However, it was cancelled.