Amritsar, July 10 The growing scare of drug abuse and the number of deaths being recorded due to the menace in Punjab has prompted many from the creative fraternity to come forward and share their views on the issue. Young singer Kirpal Sandhu has joined the list of Punjabi singers, who have come forward in condemning the government’s failure to nab those responsible for selling of drugs and encouraging the youngsters to choose life over drugs. In a press conference on Tuesday, the singer stressed that the youngsters should not be misled by glorification of drugs or intoxicants. “As artists, it becomes our responsibility not to encourage glorification of alcohol or intoxicants through songs. Music should send out a positive message and create awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse on the physical and mental health of addicts,” he said. Hailing from Naushera village near Attari, he said the area is marred by rampant drug abuse and many people have lost their lives. “To motivate the youth to distract them from choosing drugs and work on building mental strength is the need of the hour,” said Neuropsychologist Dr Harjot Singh Makkar, who was also present at the interaction. He said, “The victims need to be treated with empathy rather than resentment. The patients need to be motivated through counselling and those who show slight interest in rehabilitation and recovery should be brought to professionals working in the field. The problem has to be worked upon with a social, political and legal approach.”

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