Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the recent spate of drug-related deaths and said stringent action should be taken against those found guilty, “without consideration to their political affiliations”.

This move comes a day after the Punjab cabinet resolved to recommend to the Union government death penalty for drug smugglers and peddlers. With over 25 drug-related deaths reported from various districts of Punjab in June, the Congress government in Punjab has been drawing flak for being unable to curb the drugs menace.

Describing drug abuse as a disease requiring treatment, the CM stressed on the need for rehabilitation of the victims and making the anti-drug campaign a people’s movement.

Pointing out that enforcement was different from creating awareness, he said the latter could not be done by a single agency but had to be a collective effort involving the people.

The CM was interacting with a group of social activists who called on him at his official residence to discuss the problem. The activists, including a former victim, had recently launched ‘Black Week against Drugs’ on the social media to create awareness about the problem.

The group comprised Dr Bhupinder Singh, Hakam Singh, Baltej Pannu and Baljinder Singh (Mintoo), a reformed drug addict.

They welcomed the stern steps taken by the Amarinder Singh government, which they said had brought about a perceptible change in the public mood and perception about the issue.

The CM said he would hold a meeting at 3 pm every Monday to review the progress of the fight against drug menace.

An official spokesperson said the activists blamed the Akalis who they said did nothing to channelise the energy of the youth. They said the erstwhile Akali government had pulled money out of sports and other activities that could engage youth, thus letting them be pulled into drugs.

Amarinder promised all cooperation to the activists in creating awareness against drugs and suggested that they organise rallies and candle marches in villages, in coordination with the Anti Drug Abuse Prevention Officers Program already launched by the government. DCs and SSPs should participate in such events, he added.

The activists suggested a directive should be given to private hospitals asking them to provide treatment to drug addicts. They expressed concern over the “deep nexus” between drug dealers and police personnel, especially at the sub-inspector and assistant sub-inspector levels.

Amarinder issues warning to drug peddlers

The Punjab CM issued a stern warning to drug smugglers and drug peddlers against continuing to destroy the state, asking them to give up their activities or face stringent consequences.

His government would change the law to tackle the menace, besides recommending to the Union Government death penalty for offenders, the CM tweeted in a video recording.

“They have done enough damage to Punjab, and I want to make it clear that we will not allow this to continue,” Amarinder asserted, adding that his government would take the strictest possible action against offenders.

Pointing to the spate of drug-related deaths in the state, the CM said the last few days had witnessed a lot of furore over drugs and his government had decided to come down on drug smugglers with an iron hand.

“Several important decisions had been taken by the government in the last couple of days,” he said, adding that as long as he was there, he would ensure that the drug problem comes to an end.

This is my final warning to drug smugglers and peddlers. Give up or face strict action. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/u7behip6st

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 3, 2018

Referring to the victims of drug abuse, Amarinder said he had directed Health Minister Bram Mohindra to coordinate with both public and private hospitals to ensure that proper treatment is provided to them.