Drug-free India essential for Viksit Bharat: Laxman

Hyderabad|: BJP National Parliamentary Board member and Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman emphasised that the Viksit Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be realised only by building a healthy, drug-free India. Participating as chief guest on Sunday morning, Laxman flagged off and joined the Nasha Mukt Bharat Cycling Ride organised by voluntary organisation Akshara Sphurti from the Necklace Road Cycle Station to the Ambedkar statue in Hyderabad. Addressing participants, he expressed deep concern over the expanding reach of the drug mafia targeting school and college students alongside youth, noting that many poor and middle-class families face devastation from substance abuse. Urging public participation out of social responsibility, he called on citizens to align with Prime Minister Modi's vision to rescue future generations and promote healthy lifestyles.

Laxman strongly criticised neighbouring countries for conspiring to promote drug smuggling and narco-terrorism to damage India's economy and hinder national progress, warning that illicit funds from drug trades are funnelled into anti-national and terrorist activities. He stated that the Modi government operates with a zero-tolerance policy to dismantle criminal networks. Explaining recent announcements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Laxman detailed a historic four-pillared central strategy aiming to make the country drug-free by 2029 and a developed nation by 2047. The policy prioritises intelligence-based operations, targeting synthetic drug sources, reducing demand, expanding de-addiction centres, and enhancing inter-agency coordination to break the back of the drug mafia.

Alongside strengthening the Narcotics Control Bureau network nationwide, central authorities are cracking down heavily on international drug smugglers evading capture, tracing money trails from street-level peddlers to global syndicates to cut off terror funding. Laxman urged the Telangana state government to remain extra vigilant regarding the stealthy spread of drug sales across Hyderabad and rural areas alike. He appealed to the public, voluntary organisations, and educational institutions to set aside political differences and unite in a collective movement to safeguard the youth.

The cycle rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous attendees, including Srinivas from the EAGLE Force Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement, a specialised unit dedicated to drug control alongside BJP city leaders, representatives of voluntary organisations, prominent sportspersons, and students. The event successfully raised public awareness on combating substance abuse while reinforcing the central government's commitment to eradicating narcotics and safeguarding the future of the nation's youth through stringent enforcement, community engagement, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures.

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The Hans India