xpressing concern over the growing illegal drug trade in the state, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday said that it was a big challenge to deal with it.
“The State Government has made serious efforts against illegal drugs trade and is also working to control and create awareness at its level. But, police surveillance is very important…By controlling such anti-social elements within the ambit of law, we could save the youth power from this social evil,” said the Governor, while addressing a gathering during the DGP Disc Felicitation Ceremony at the historic Gaiety Theater in Shimla.
The Governor said that the State police have also arrested the drug peddlers with their continuous efforts, and 23 cases of attachment of their illegally acquired property, worth more than Rs 13 crore, have also been sent to the competent authority. In addition, 10 cases have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate for financial investigation as per the provisions of the Narcotics Act, he added.
Shukla, at the same time, appreciated the State Police for their commendable services during natural disasters in the State. “The way the work was done to evacuate people, including tourists, from the affected areas, the general public has gained faith and respect towards the police,” said Shukla, after presenting ‘DGP Disc Awards’ to 334 police personnel for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. The program was organized after three years.
Congratulating the awardees, the Governor said that the State Police and State Disaster Response Force have rescued more than 70,000 people, including tourists of foreign countries from Kullu alone.
The Governor also expressed contentment that due to the State Police’s tireless efforts by using technology like Integrated Traffic Management System, there has been a huge reduction in the number of road accidents, injuries, and deaths due to road accidents in 2023 as compared to the last several years across the State.
“The State Police has several achievements to its credit, including first position in India in Passport Verification, third position in implementation of Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System in the year 2022 and 11th position in implementation of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System in the year 2020-2021,” he said.
Shukla said that Himachal Pradesh Police is the eight state police in India to have the honour of receiving the ‘President's Colour’, and secured first position in hilly and north eastern states. The state police is technically capable of dealing with the problem of cyber crime as well.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu, welcoming the Governor, said that many innovative efforts have been made in the state police, which were also being adopted by the police of other states. “Special efforts have been made against drug abuse, reduction in road accidents, prevention of organized crime, and welfare of police personnel. To fulfill these objectives, every police personnel is working diligently,” he added.
