AJP President terms public burning of drugs as 'publicity stunt'

GUWAHATI: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) President Lurinjyoti Gogoi on Sunday claimed that the public burning of seized drugs in Assam was nothing but a 'publicity stunt' by the ruling government.

Gogoi said that the disposal program appears to be like performing the last rites of a person.

"We appreciate the measures taken by the Chief Minister to eradicate the menace of drugs from the state. Also we agree that drugs should be seized and the people involved in its illegal trafficking should be punished. However, punishing the guilty is more important than such public display.” He said.

Also Read: Drugs worth Rs. 5000 cr traded annually in Assam :CM

While questioning the intention behind the exercise of public burning of drugs, Gogoi said samples of used drug was necessary to prepare a strong charge-sheet against cases of illegal drug trafficking.

Referring to the provision of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Gogoi said lack of evidence can lead to release of a criminal involved in such grievous crimes.

"Is the seized drugs disposal an attempt to burn evidence?", questioned Gogoi.

He further said as the Chief Minister of the state, it was not Himanta Biswa Sarma's responsibility to burn drugs.

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