Install ultra-modern equipments to check drug trafficking; Badal

Nawanshahr (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), October 18, 2012: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today once again urged the Union Government to enhance vigil on the borders of the state by installing ultra-modern equipments to check the menace of drug trafficking and smuggling in the state.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines 100 years celebration of Doaba Senior Secondary School here today, the Chief Minister said that rather than browbeating the issue of increasing trend of drug addiction in the state, the Centre government must take concrete steps to check the infiltration of drugs through the borders, which were manned by its agencies. He said that though the borders were open in a major part of the world but there was a check on the drug trafficking in those countries due to the vigilant security agencies which needs to be replicated in India.

Badal said that it was the high time when the Union government must install high powered ultra-modern machines for scanning the drugs thereby imposing a check on its smuggling. “We have raised this issue with the Union government a number of times but no action has been initiated on it due to the reason best known to them” added Badal.

Advocating the abolishing of Visa regime in the Indian Sub Continent to promote bilateral trade amongst the countries, the Chief Minister said that the trade route of Punjab with the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian Countries needs to be opened for ensuring prosperity and development of the state. He said that being a landlocked state it was the only alternative left with the state for ensuring its development. Badal said that the surge in trade and commerce across the border would not only play a pivotal role in the progress of the state but would also help in substantiating the income of the beleaguered peasantry of the state by opening new avenues of commercial activity for them.

Advocating the opening of trade through Hussainiwala and Fazilka borders, the Chief Minister said that with the opening of ICP at Attari-Wagah border the trade activity has already been set up in motion between India and Pakistan which would further get the much needed fillip only if these borders are also opened. Badal further said that apart from promoting economic activity the opening of these borders would also help in further strengthening the socio-cultural ties amongst the people of both the countries. He said that the opening of trade activity from these borders was of immense significance for us because it would help in developing the border districts of the state as prominent business hubs of the world.

Earlier addressing the gathering the Chief Minister lauded the role played by this school in imparting quality education to the students of the region. He said that it was a matter of great pride for us that a Muslim student of this school Mohammed Sadiq had arose to the position of the Chief Justice of Lahore. Announcing a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the school Badal expressed hope that the school would continue its spree to deliver quality education to the students. He further said that the state government was committed for the all-round development of the state for which thrust was being given for development of Health care Services, providing quality education and supply of potable drinking water to the people.

Recalling his college days spent at FC College Lahore, the Chief Minister said that the vivid memories of college life were still afresh in his mind. Badal further said that he still cherishes to enjoy the mouth watering foods of the city. He also lauded the efforts made Mohammed Khalil Ur Rehman the son of Justice Mohammed Sadiq in constructing the school auditorium.

In his address Mohammed Khalil Ur Rehman expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister for sparing his valuable time for attending the function. Supporting the stance of the Chief Minister to promote trade ties between India and Pakistan, Khan said that it was the best alternative to mitigate the problems faced by the residents on both sides of the border as it would usher a new era of mutual trust and co-operation between both the countries.  

Addressing the gathering Uttrakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi appreciated the role played by Punjabis in safeguarding the borders of the country besides making it self-reliant in the food production.

Among others present prominently include Sudarshan Sharma President Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Jalandhar, Akali Leader Jagteshwar Singh Majithia,  CPS Ch. Nand Lal, Former MLA Mohan Singh Banga and VC of Gurukul Kangra University Haridwar Dr. Swatantar Kumar Marghai.