CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The Majha Ex-Servicemen Human Rights Front led by Col. GS Sandhu (retd.) on Wednesday May 14, 2014 urged former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jails, Shashi Kant to disclose the names of all those politicians, civil and police officials who are involved in illegal drug trade. The commission expressed appreciation that Kant, while in his tenure, had identified 98 such people involved in drug trafficking.
In a press conference, the rights commission also appealed to various social crusaders to arrive at Pahuwind village in Tarn Taran district on May 21 to chalk out a plan of action to save the Punjab and make it free from drugs. “We demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter, or that the High Court take a *suo motu notice [*acting at it’s own initiative],” said Mr. Sandhu.
Justice (retd) Ajit Singh Bains, chairman of the Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO), also present on the occasion to join hands with Col. Sandhu.
Col. Sandhu said enormous amounts of drugs flow into the state through the international border with Pakistan. He endorsed allegations that several Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are supporting drug peddlers in border villages. “Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal needs to take action against party leaders, including Vir Singh Lopoke, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Harmeet Sandhu, and Virsa Singh Valtoha, involved in the drug trade. The Congress leadership too needs to deny tickets to leaders such as Amritsar legislator OP Soni,” he added.
