President Pranab Mukherjee today 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’s social life.
Regretting that the menace of alcoholism and drug abuse was leading to a “complete loss of values” and rise in crime rate, the President said governments, NGOs and civil society members have to work together to eradicate these vices.
His remarks came on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as the President also presented the National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse.
Referring to the growing menace of terrorism, 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.
“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 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,” said Mukherjee.
