Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday flagged off a brisk walk organized from Haroli to Kangar against drugs in Una district in which people from all walks of life, departments and educational institutions participated. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who organized this programme was also present on the occasion.
The Governor himself took part in the walk and gave the message of public awareness against drugs. “I am happy that the spirit with which I am campaigning against drugs in Himachal is getting support from all sections of the society, the government as well. The Deputy Chief Minister has further strengthened my campaign against drugs. I am sure Himachal is now in a mood to fight a decisive battle against drugs” Shukla said.
Addressing a public meeting at Kangar, the last stop of the brisk walk, the Governor appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister for organizing the program with new initiatives against drugs and said that it was our duty to make Himachal drug free as the evil of drugs is related to the future of the youth and this campaign was to unite to tackle this challenge.
On the occasion, the Governor launched the helpline number 94180-64444 and also released a poster giving further messages to the anti-drug campaign.
Agnihotri said that he started this mega campaign from Haroli on the call of the Governor, adding that anyone involved in this illegal trade, no matter how influential he or she may be, will not be spared. He said there was a need to bring changes in the laws related to drugs and there should be no provision of bail in this and the property of the persons involved in such illegal business should be confiscated and for this the central government needs to cooperate for amendment of the Law. He said that a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Central Government through the Legislative Assembly.
Acting Director General of Police, Satwant Atwal Trivedi said that in terms of population, Himachal has come second after Punjab in the prevalence of drugs, which was a matter of concern. She said that keeping this seriousness in mind, the State Police has started a campaign named 'Pradhav'. Under this, online discussions were held with around 16000 students from 160 schools. An online competition was also organized by the Governor in the month of March this year.