New Delhi: Actress-politician BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut has expressed serious concern over the growing drug problem in her home state, Himachal Pradesh. Interacting with the media during the monsoon session of Parliament, she accused Pakistan of drug smuggling and said that drugs are reaching Himachal via Punjab, which is destroying the lives of the youth of the state and their families.
“The children of Himachal are very innocent and gullible. The drugs that come through from Pakistan through Punjab are reaching Himachal. Children have sold household goods, sold their parents' jewellery, and are committing thefts. We have heard cases where, drug addict victims lock themselves in rooms and cry and scream; this is a life worse than death,” Kangana said reacting to Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's “Udta Himachal” remark.
“Currently, the drug situation in Himachal Pradesh is serious. If strict steps are not taken against drugs soon, then just like in some villages of Punjab where only widows and women live, a similar situation will arise in Himachal as well,” Kangana added.
What Himachal Governor Said?
Raising serious concerns over rising drug issue in the state, Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction over lack of government rehabilitation centres while questioning political will to fight the problem.
“There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up a centre in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on ground. This shows the seriousness of the government,” Shukla said.
Shukla warned that if prompt action is not taken, the state could turn into ‘Udta Himachal.’
The governor also mentioned various initiatives launched by the central government. He informed that students are now required to sign a pledge during admissions, declaring they will not indulge in drug abuse, and the administration reserves the right to take disciplinary action if they are found guilty.
