Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora has raised four questions for Union Home Minister Amit Shah over drug trafficking, cross-border smuggling and law and order, seeking accountability from the BJP-led Centre ahead of Shah’s visit to Punjab.
Arora questioned the Centre’s efforts to prevent drugs from entering Punjab through the international border and also raised concerns over a major heroin seizure at Gujarat’s Mundra Port. He further questioned the BJP’s record on drug abuse in Punjab and law and order in BJP-ruled states.
Why Has Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Not Stopped?
Arora questioned why drug smuggling across the India-Pakistan border continues despite security arrangements. Punjab shares an approximately 543-km-long international border with Pakistan, while the Border Security Force (BSF) has jurisdiction over a 50-km belt along the border.
He sought answers from Amit Shah on the Centre’s efforts to curb cross-border smuggling and prevent narcotics from reaching Punjab.
How Did 3,000 Kg of Heroin Reach Mundra Port?
Referring to the reported seizure of around 3,000 kg of heroin at Gujarat’s Mundra Port in 2021, Arora questioned how such a large consignment reached the port and what steps the Centre had taken to prevent drug trafficking through the country's ports.
He asked the Union Home Minister to explain the Centre’s responsibility in tackling drug networks and preventing large consignments of narcotics from entering India.
What Did the BJP Do About Punjab’s Drug Problem?
Arora also questioned the BJP’s response to Punjab’s drug problem during the period when the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance governed the state. He said drug abuse, particularly the spread of chitta, had become a major concern and asked what measures were taken during that period to address the issue.
His remarks placed the focus on the BJP’s past role in Punjab’s governance and its approach to tackling drug abuse.
Why Not Address Gangsterism and Crime in BJP-Ruled States?
Raising the issue of law and order, Arora questioned the BJP’s criticism of Punjab over crime and drugs while similar concerns are also raised in states such as Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan.
He sought accountability over gangster-related activities and criminal networks, arguing that concerns about drugs and crime should also be addressed in BJP-governed states.
Arora’s four questions have brought border security, drug trafficking, Punjab’s history of drug abuse and law and order into the political debate ahead of Amit Shah’s visit. The questions centre on the responsibilities of the Centre and state governments in combating narcotics and organised crime.