Awareness key to tackling alcohol, drug abuse; Laws alone cannot end It: Ashok Koul
Srinagar, May 11 (KINS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Monday said that awareness and public participation were essential to curb alcohol and drug abuse, asserting that legislation alone could not completely stop people from consuming alcohol.
Speaking to reporters in Sopore, Koul said governments in different parts of the country and the world had faced difficulties in enforcing complete prohibition through laws alone.
“There should be awareness to stop consumption of alcohol and drugs. It is not possible for any government to stop people from consuming alcohol by introducing laws. Wherever such laws have been enforced, the situation has become even worse,” he said.
Koul also supported the recent remarks made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue, saying public awareness campaigns were more effective in addressing addiction and substance abuse.
Reacting to remarks made by minister Sakina Itoo regarding the anti-narcotics drive, the BJP leader said the crackdown against drug trafficking had initially started in Jammu before being extended to Kashmir and should not be viewed through a religious lens.
He defended the ongoing action against narcotics networks and said strict measures were necessary to deter those involved in the illegal drug trade.
“It is necessary and if it is not done, how will it stop? They won’t even be afraid and they will end our future,” Koul said.(KINS)
