AGARTALA: The recent statement by Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Birajit Sinha that the government must ensure alternative employment opportunities for people engaged in illegal drug trade has been strongly criticized by BJP "Lakhs of people in the state are associated in trading with ganja, phensedyl, drugs and brown sugar. The government, instead of trying to intimidate them, must ensure alternative opportunities for these people," Sinha had said.Strongly criticizing Sinha's statement, Tripura BJP general secretary Pratima Bhowmik has claimed that the TPCC president was actually expressing his support for drug peddlers and smugglers. "The BJP-IPFT government has shown zero tolerance for drug peddlers, smugglers, anti-socials and criminals. Our government has taken a strong stand against them which must have made Sinha uncomfortable," Bhowmik alleged.Standing by his statement, Sinha, however, said, "I don't support anybody who is involved in illegal drug trade. But the government must understand that such illegal businesses are flourishing in the state now mainly because of joblessness and unemployment. If government wants to eradicate the menace, they must provide an alternative."

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