In a rare show of unity, senior BJP and Congress leaders today participated in a march organised by a Sikh group against the increasing drug abuse cases in Jammu and Kashmir, especially among the young people.
Led by Mahant Manjeet Singh of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib in Poonch, the anti-drug march began from Digiana Ashram and concluded at Satwari Chowk along the Jammu-airport road.
Former ministers Lal Singh of the BJP and Raman Bhalla of the Congress were among the leaders who took part in the rally organised by the Sikh United Front.
The rally was organised to create awareness against drug abuse. The participants carried placards urging people to stay away from illicit drugs and appealed them to join hands to wipe out the menace from the state.
"Drug abuse is at its peak and no government can absolve itself," the BJP leader said. He thanked the Sikh religious leader for showing concern about the issue and assured him about his support to the campaign.
The Congress leader said when a religious head comes out on streets, it demonstrates the alarming situation of drug abuse.
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Bhalla said they have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra "to pay attention to the menace." He said the campaign will be taken to a logical conclusion.
Drug abuse cases have been on the rise in Jammu region and several people have been arrested with narcotics substance.
Last week, six alleged drug peddlers, including a policeman, were arrested and more than 75 kg poppy husk was seized from them in separate incidents in Jammu, officials said.