The Hon. Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I thank you for the opportunity to speak in this debate on the Adjournment Motion regarding the national program against drug trafficking and organized criminal gangs, and the strengthening of the legal framework.

¶ 02 We consider this an extremely important matter to protect future generations through the eradication of drugs. We extend our full support and cooperation to the Government’s program and convey our appreciation.

¶ 03 In eradicating drugs, there are two aspects: you have taken stringent action against the organized groups who bring drugs into the country. At the same time, for users—many of whom are victims due to brainwashing, exploitation, and personal crises—the Government bears a major responsibility to address mental health, rehabilitation and reintegration.

¶ 04 Before 2009, it was not possible to implement any anti-drugs programs in the North and East. After 2009, rulers undertook deliberate programs to divert youth, which have now become foundational causes of the dark situation countrywide. We must commend the Government’s current approach and actions against drugs. Only by complete eradication through a clean-up program can we protect our youth. While punishing the traffickers severely, the Government also has the responsibility to rehabilitate and reintegrate affected communities.

¶ 05 The nexus between drugs and organized crime can trigger violence and grave crimes. Though the Government is undertaking various programs, there are circumstances that impede their effective completion. In the past year there have been over a hundred shootings with multiple deaths. Even if some victims were involved with drugs or crimes, they are still citizens; the Government is duty-bound to protect lives and ensure they do not fall prey to shootings. Punishment must be through due process, not street executions.

¶ 06 As people’s representatives, when we raise our voices against illegal acts and advise institutions to halt them, we ourselves face security threats. Therefore, the Government must responsibly ensure the security of people’s representatives. Although it is said present shootings occur among those connected to such groups, in the future it could severely endanger the general public.

¶ 07 After 2009, rulers implemented measures to alienate Northern and Eastern youth from Tamil national consciousness; these have now morphed into crises for the country. If we ignore organized crime and fail to ensure security, a very serious situation will arise. Thus, I request the Government and the Ministry of Public Security to promptly make firm decisions and special arrangements to protect both public representatives and citizens.

¶ 08 Further, the national program against drug trafficking and organized crime must be pursued efficiently and non-partisanly to ensure security across the country. With that assurance of our support, I conclude. Thank you.