BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th June 2025: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today reiterated his government’s firm stand against the drug menace, stating that even influential individuals involved in the drug trade will not be spared.
“Many prominent people in society are involved in the drug trade for the sake of money, but once they fall into the net of the law, no one can protect them,” said Dr. Saha.
He made the remarks while inaugurating an awareness programme under the Drug-Free India Campaign and Child Marriage Prevention Initiative at Gandhigram Higher Secondary School ground in Bamutia block of West Tripura district.
Dr. Saha stressed that awareness programmes aimed at eradicating drug abuse and child marriage are crucial. “There was no such environment of addiction in the past. But over the last 40 years, a shadow of drug addiction has loomed over the state. Today, we are bearing its consequences,” he said.
He credited the BJP-led state government and the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. “Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also laid significant emphasis on this issue and is continuously monitoring the situation,” he added.
Dr. Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that agencies including the police are actively cracking down on the drug network. “Massive quantities of narcotics are being seized, and the volume of such seizures has increased significantly. Numerous offenders have been booked under the NDPS Act and are facing legal action,” he said.
The Chief Minister also called for heightened awareness on health issues such as thalassemia, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
“I’ve clearly instructed all enforcement agencies not to show any leniency toward drug offenders. They are not just destroying themselves—they are harming families, society, and the state as a whole,” he added.
On the issue of child marriage, Dr. Saha said it remains a serious concern.
“Everyone must come forward to prevent child marriages and spread awareness. A girl from our minority community was recently felicitated by the President of India for standing up against child marriage—her courage should inspire others,” he said.
He revealed that the government is considering reforms to ensure legal marriage registration before customary ceremonies. “Only those who have attained the legal age—18 for girls and 21 for boys—should be allowed to marry. Birth certificates will be made mandatory for verification,” he said.
