"I am not in favor of demolishing houses," Harbhajan Singh remarked.

AAP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh has expressed strong opposition to the Punjab Government's recent action of demolishing the houses of alleged drug peddlers. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Singh made it clear that he does not support the use of JCB machines to demolish properties, emphasizing that the focus should instead be on arresting drug suppliers.

"I am not in favor of demolishing houses," Harbhajan Singh remarked. "The real criminals, the drug suppliers, should be arrested and brought to justice, not their families or innocent residents whose homes are being destroyed." Singh's comments come in response to the state government's decision to demolish the houses of individuals allegedly involved in the drug trade as part of its crackdown on narcotic activities in Punjab.

The Punjab Government had recently launched a campaign to target drug peddlers and their associates, using heavy machinery to tear down properties believed to be linked to illegal drug trade activities. The move was aimed at sending a strong message to those involved in the drug business and to deter others from engaging in such activities.

However, Harbhajan Singh, a former cricketer turned politician, voiced concerns over the broader social implications of the demolitions. He argued that this approach could result in unintended consequences, affecting the families and livelihoods of individuals who may not be directly involved in the illegal drug trade.

Singh’s stance raises important questions about the balance between law enforcement and human rights. While the Punjab Government has defended its actions as necessary for controlling the rampant drug menace in the state, critics, including Singh, argue that it might not be the most effective long-term solution.

The AAP MP suggested that a more targeted approach, focusing on cracking down on the actual drug suppliers and distributors, would be more effective in curbing the drug trade. Singh emphasized that arresting those responsible for the trafficking and supply of drugs would have a more direct impact on reducing drug-related crimes in the region.

This opposition from within the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate over how best to combat the state's drug problem. While the state government has garnered support from certain quarters for its tough stance, others, including Singh, are urging for more nuanced and strategic measures to address the issue without compromising the rights and well-being of innocent citizens.

As the debate continues, the Punjab Government faces increasing pressure to balance its anti-drug efforts with concerns over the potential collateral damage caused by the demolitions. With Harbhajan Singh voicing his disagreement, the conversation around tackling Punjab's drug crisis is set to intensify, with calls for a more comprehensive approach that focuses on both prevention and law enforcement.