President: Break terror-drug nexus

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said terrorism, smuggling and drug activities are co-related and a concerted effort is needed to break the nexus which was creating havoc in the country.

Referring to the growing menace of terrorism, Mr Mukherjee questioned the sources of funding for growing terrorist activities and said many studies have established that terrorism, smuggling and drug activities are co-related. Unless these linkages are broken, it will be very difficult to fight all three, he said.

His remarks came on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The President also presented the national awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse. The President said governments, NGOs and civil society members have to work together to eradicate these vices.

“These social vices have caused havoc in our country as well as across the world. The menace can never be eradicated only by the efforts of the government, and a large number of NGOs and civil society organisations have to work together to create awareness about the two social menace. It is not only the problems of the individuals, it has an affect on the society as it gives rise to a tendency for criminal activities, violence, rape. There is a complete loss of values which bind the society together,” he said.

Congratulating the recipients of the awards for their contributions in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse, he told them to continue with efforts to eradicate the menaces. Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said efforts should be made towards bringing drug abuse victims into the mainstream.