JAMMU, Sep 13: Shiv Sena Hindustan, under the chairmanship of its Jammu and Kashmir president Pandit Rajesh Kesri, organised a meeting with villagers at Chak Murar village in Bishnah block to discuss the growing concerns of drug abuse, cattle smuggling and alleged narco-terror activities in border areas.
During the meeting, villagers expressed serious concern over alleged involvement of certain individuals in cattle smuggling, supplying drugs to children and promoting narco-terrorism along the border. They said that the alleged activities were posing a serious threat to the social fabric and security of the area.
The villagers alleged that some persons were involved in transporting cattle and supplying narcotics in villages. They further claimed that despite repeated arrests by the police and seizure of vehicles allegedly used in such activities, some accused persons resume their activities after securing bail and often change their locations to evade law-enforcement agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Pandit Rajesh Kesri urged the government to adopt a stricter legal and rehabilitation-oriented approach against those involved in drug trafficking and related unlawful activities. He acknowledged that the government and police have taken several measures against drug networks, including arrests and action against properties of alleged offenders, but said that the problem requires sustained efforts.
Kesri stressed that alongside strict enforcement, greater emphasis should be placed on education, awareness and rehabilitation. He said that individuals involved in such activities should be encouraged to return to education and constructive pursuits, while awareness programmes should educate them and their families about the consequences of drug abuse, anti-national activities and narcotics-related offences.
He particularly called for efforts to ensure that children of persons involved in such activities do not fall into the same cycle. “The focus should be on preventing the next generation from being trapped in drugs and crime through education, awareness and proper guidance,” he said. Representatives and residents present on the occasion included Border President Sanjeev Sharma, Bishnah President Kuldeep Kumar, Arnia President Balwant Fauji, Suresh Kumar Balbir Fauji, Sat Bhagat Yash Pal and dozens of villagers.