Tripura: TPCC President clarifies statement on illegal drug business, says ‘I stand by what I said’
TNT News | August 10, 2018
The statement of Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Birajit Sinha has landed him in controversy after his comments on drug cartel business in state was seen as one that defended those involved in the illegal business.
While addressing media yesterday Sinha commented that "Lakhs of people in the state are associated with the business of ganja, phensedyl, drugs and brown sugar. All of a sudden, the government is trying to intimidate them. The government must formulate other opportunities of trade for those who are involved in these illicit business, especially the proletarian section of the state."
Though the comments of the Congress Chief was not appreciated by many who viewed him as speaking on behalf of illegal drug smugglers, Birajit Sinha while speaking to TNT-The Northeast Today-TNT made it clear that he stands by what he has said.
"What I have said was the truth.Today there is no work in the state so what will people do for their survival, especially the weaker sections of the society. I don't support those who are involved in drug business and they must be punished but it is also the responsibility of the government to provide work and job opportunities so that people are not compelled to be involved in such illegal business.Today lakhs of youth from the entire Northeast India are migrating to Northern and Southern India in search of work. But whose responsibility is to provide them work in their own state? "
He further added, "The drug business was patronized and protected by the CPI(M) government in the state but now it is the responsibility of the BJP government to bring the diverted people into the right track."
