Need concrete plans from CM to tackle drug problem: Chhina

Former BJP state vice president Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina said today that the people of Punjab are not interested if Chief Minister Amarinder Singh takes dope test but want concrete actions and strategies from his government to curb the drug menace prevalent in the state.

"No more drama is required over the issue of taking dope test. What is required today is a well-mechanised strategy by the government to deal with the menace of drugs," Chhina said.

The chief minister on Thursday said he was willing to take dope test, responding to demands from opposition parties and from within the Congress that politicians should also take the dope test as has been mandated for government employees.

AAP lawmaker Aman Arora had challenged Singh to take dope test to set an example for his ministers and MLAs. The outcry for politicians to take the test came after several people reportedly died last month in Punjab due to drug abuse.

Today, Chhina said concerted efforts are needed to break the nexus between police, smugglers and political leaders - which is creating a "havoc" in the social life.

He asked politician to restrain from making dramatic and reckless statements on public forums.

Accusing the Congress government of taking minimal action to control drug abuse, Chhina said the problem is a black spot for an otherwise progressive and forward-looking Punjabi society.

"CM should realise the fact that it is killing youth and ruining families across the state and is disturbing the social fabric. The government seems to be doing nothing about the problem," he said.

He urged everyone to rise above political lines and join hands to deal with the "monstrous rise" of drug addiction.

Chhina outlined factors, he said were responsible, for the rise of drug abuse. He said addiction can be attributed the Punjab's proximity to India-Pakistan border, political apathy, rising unemployment and general stress in the society.

He said drug trafficking serves as a source of easy money and is directly linked to the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

He said the chief minister seems to have no strategy in place to clean the state of the drug problem as his police department and other controlling agencies are either incapable or lacking the will to check smuggling of drugs.