Sikhs in Amritsar march against drug abuse

Hundreds of Sikhs on Thursday took out an anti-drug march here to make people aware of the ill-effects of drugs.

Amritsar, Sept 20 : Hundreds of Sikhs on Thursday took out an anti-drug march here to make people aware of the ill-effects of drugs.

People from all walks of life, holding placards and banners, marched through the city, urging fellow citizens to not to fall in prey of the growing menace.

"Drugs and addiction are slowly killing the society. Large section of society has been enticed by opium, heroin, smack, liquor, cigarettes, injections and capsules. Tobacco and tobacco-related products are affecting a majority of people," said Bhai Mohkam Singh, who organised the protest march.

Activists said that the administration had failed to tackle the growing use of drugs among youngsters.

"This is an attempt to attract their attention towards this cause. The school teachers, theeligious heads, the government everybody has a responsibility and we need to track down the people involved," Mohkam added.

The group involved in the protest said that they are planning to meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on this issue.

"We want Amritsar to be declared as a 'drug-free' place," said Harpreet Singh, an activist.

The awareness march was organised by the Khalsa Action Committee (KAC), and the group has launched a series of similar rallies. They are also conducting various seminars to educate people about the adverse affects of drugs on the entire society.

ANI