DETERRENT PUNISHMENT FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS: KALAM

Two-Day National Seminar On Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic
Substances Inaugurated In The Capital On Saturday

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Saturday suggested
deterrent punishment for drug traffickers as one of the solutions to
deal with the increasing menace of drug abuse in country. He also
called upon every component of society to work towards insulating
the youth of the country from drug abuse and also weaning them away
from drug trafficking.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day national seminar and
workshop-cum-training programme on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances -- organised by the Delhi High Court at Vigyan Bhavan
here -- Dr. Kalam asked the political leaders, law enforcement
agencies, judiciary, parents and teachers to effectively participate
in instilling in the youth a value system which may drive them away
from the menace of drug abuse.

The President suggested that the young be encouraged to participate
in religious activities. This will help create an enlightened
society with three components: education with value system, religion
transforming into spirituality and economic development for removing
the societal inequality.

Dr. Kalam also administered an oath to the students attending the
seminar to remain away from drugs and also help those who are
affected by it in getting over the bad habit.

The Chief Justice of India, Justice Y. K. Sabharwal, pointed out
that in spite of the presence of several legal enactments, the
administration of criminal justice had not been able to contain the
menace of drug trafficking which is acquiring gigantic proportions
and is affecting the socio-economic fabric of Indian society
besides being a global threat.

The Chief Justice called upon all stakeholders to evolve a consensus
so that the drug mafia is dealt with a severe blow in terms of
punishment and deterrence. The Union Minister for Law and Justice,
Hans Raj Bhardwaj, emphasised the need for having a revamped
mechanism for investigation, prosecution and administration of
criminal justice. Delhi Lieutenant-Governor B. L. Joshi was among
the guests of honour.

Delhi Police Commissioner K. K. Paul also attended the seminar.