New Delhi, June 26 President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday emphasised the need for vigilance in border states like Punjab and Manipur against illegal drug trafficking and said that increase in drug trafficking and drug abuse in the border areas was also associated with issues of “terrorism and political unrest’’.
“Our geographical location between Myanmar-Laos-Thailand’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan’s ‘Golden Crescent’, makes the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking more acute and complicated,’’ he said after presenting national awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse here on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“Problem of drug addiction and alcoholism negatively impacts an individual, family and society in multiple ways including health, culture, development and politics. Drug addiction spurs poverty and also poses a challenge to our national security as well as to our development and public welfare goals,’’ he said.
Highlighting the health challenges, especially for the young generation and school going children, from drug abuse, he said the problem can be solved through awareness, prevention, incentives, and support efforts.
“In these efforts compassion and sympathy for the drug addicts is also necessary. Parents, teachers, doctors, and voluntary organisations should be associated in the medical and rehabilitation efforts,’’ he added.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had taken necessary steps in this direction, he noted.
Among those who attended the function were Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot, Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, Krishan Pal Gurjar and Vijay Sampla. (UNI
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