A political controversy has broken out between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut linked the rising drug problem in her home state to drug trafficking from Pakistan through Punjab.
Her comments came in support of Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's recent warning that the hill state could become the next “Udta Punjab”.
Speaking outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session on Friday, the Mandi MP claimed that drugs are entering Himachal Pradesh from Pakistan via Punjab, and are affecting the youth and families across the state.
“The situation of drugs in Himachal is so dire that if a strict action isn't initiated soon, the state will become like some of those Punjab villages which only have windows and women now," Kangana said, referring to the 2016 film Udta Punjab that focused on the drug crisis in Punjab.
She added that many young people in Himachal are falling into addiction and turning to crime. "Our children are innocent and simple. They are now opting for theft; they have sold their parents' jewellery, are stealing cars to fund their drug habits. Parents come to us crying. They lock themselves in rooms, break furniture, scream, and cry for help. This is worse than death for them.”," she said.
Her comments came a day after Governor Shukla warned that the drug menace in Himachal was growing fast. He said that narcotics cases under the NDPS Act have jumped from about 500 in 2012 to nearly 2,200 in 2023, making a rise of over 340 per cent.
“This is not just a campaign but it’s a mission to save our future generations and preserve the social fabric of our communities,” the Governor said. "The threat is real and growing. If immediate and determined steps are not taken, Himachal could resemble Punjab's drug crisis in just five years,” he added.
He also raised concerns over the lack of rehabilitation facilities in the state. " There is only one rehabilitation facility run by the Red Cross in Kullu. The government has said land has been identified for a centre in Sirmaur, but there's been no progress on the ground. The absence of state-run rehabilitation centres shows a lack of urgency," he said.
In response, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly criticised Kangana Ranaut. " Kangana Ranaut should first conduct a survey in BJP-ruled states before blaming Punjab. This is not the first time she has made such absurd and baseless statements. She is habitual in speaking without evidence," he said.
Cheema questioned why Ranaut was silent on other BJP-ruled states. "There is a greater drug menace in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and even in Himachal Pradesh than in Punjab," he added.
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