Pubdate: Mon, 27 Mar 2006
Source: Hindu, The (India)
Copyright: 2006 The Hindu
Contact:  http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/874

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.