Punjab to recommend death penalty for drug smugglers, peddlers
What's the story
On Monday, the Punjab-government'>Punjab government recommended the death penalty for people convicted in drug smuggling and peddling cases. According to Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, the proposal is now in the process of being forwarded to the Centre. In the run-up to the Punjab Assembly elections last year, Singh had promised to make Punjab free of drugs. Here's more.
Twitter Post
Capt. Amarinder Singh's tweet about the decision
My govt has decided to recommend the death penalty for drug peddling/smuggling. The recommendation is being forwarded to the Union government. Since drug peddling is destroying entire generations, it deserves exemplary punishment. I stand by my commitment for a drug free Punjab. pic.twitter.com/dXZTsDwVpf
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 2, 2018
Deterrent
Singh: Death penalty meant to serve as deterrent
Notably, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act already has provisions for the death penalty for repeat drug offenders. The proposed death penalty is meant to serve as a deterrent, said Singh, adding that the drug menace was "destroying" the lives of youth in Punjab, and elsewhere. Since Singh took over, his government has been criticized for failing to curb the drug menace.
Public pressure
The decision comes on the back of mounting public pressure
The decision comes on the back of mounting public pressure in Punjab over a recent spate of drug-related deaths. People in Punjab are observing a 'Black Week' (1st-7th July), against the government's inaction against drugs. The apolitical protest, called 'Chittey De Virodh Vich Kaala Hafta' has the tagline "Maro Jaan Virodh Karo" (either die or speak against drugs).