Reacting on the reports that the neighbouring State of Himachal Pradesh was worried that drugs from Punjab may make its way into the hill State, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday said that “not even a single gram of drug is produced in our State, so there is hardly any possibility of its transportation to other States”.
At the same time, Badal said that in case the Government of Himachal Pradesh has any apprehension regarding it, both the States could form joint patrolling agencies to curb the menace. On reports that Himachal Pradesh Government was contemplating to install scanners and other sophisticated equipment along its borders with Punjab for stricter vigil, he said that they were free to take any such step.
He said that the need of the hour was to cut the supply line of drugs being smuggled from across the international border so that this menace could be completely eradicated from the State. Describing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel as “brave sons of country protecting our borders”, Badal said that they must keep a strict vigil to check inflow of drugs from across the border. Expressing grave concern over unemployment in the State, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government was fully aware of the problem and the only solution to tackle it was to impart skill training in different fields to enable the youth to earn their livelihood.
Chief Minister also added that the State Government has already filed an application in the Supreme Court for seeking permission to consider and decide applications of the life convicts seeking remissions and pre mature release.