Agartala, Oct 9: Leader of the opposition of TIPRA Motha party Animesh Debbarma demanded the setting up of at least one drug rehabilitation center in each of the 60 assembly constituencies of Tripura to tackle the menace of drugs and narcotics, besides undertaking stringent steps against illicit drug trafficking and use.
Addressing the media here on Monday, Debbarma alleged that the BJP, the led government in the state, has been propagating ‘Nesha Mukta Tripura’ (drug-free Tripura) only in speeches, but in reality, the number of drug abusers has been increasing day by day, coupled with the number of drug peddlers, resulting in a spike in HIV incidences.
“Unfortunately, the government has not yet reached the kingpins of the drug business, and it seems there is a nexus; otherwise, how can drug users and paddlers be increasing every day along with the seizure of drugs and narcotics? The supply chain of such contraband has remained high, and youngsters are falling into the trap,” Debbarma stated.
He suggested the government should have formed a committee comprising members from all political parties and established drug rehabilitation centers in every assembly constituency. Without proper arrangements, such claims of drug-free Tripura will remain empty, and there’s a risk of an entire generation being affected by the growing drug menace.
Criticizing the Central government’s decision to link Aadhar and PAN cards, Debbarma said that it has become a business now by charging Rs 1000 per person, which is ridicule, but the government is completely silent over it and added, “The linkage of two valid documents of a citizen cannot be chargeable in the country where a large number of people have still been striving hard to manage a square meal.”
“In our day-to-day lives, the Aadhar card is not necessary as per the direction of the Supreme Court, and since it is not mandatory, why is this linking? Even if the government wants to do it, it has to be free or at a nominal cost, and the state government should take up the matter with the central government,” Debbarma demanded.
