Expose the so-called ‘wise men’

The ‘Shukracharyas in jars’

(those whose wisdom is ineffective, as was the case with Shukracharya – the Guru of the Asuras, known for great knowledge) who are wilfully ignoring the drug addiction at Sunburn.”)

from left Mr Rajesh Sawant, Mrs Dhanashree Kelshikar

Mumbai, 19th December (News) – Despite the huge opposition of the Anti-Drug Struggle Campaign, as well as many social organisations and local citizens, permission was granted to the ‘Sunburn Festival’ in Mumbai. This issue is not only about the music festival, but also about the role of drugs, law, child protection and administration. It is condemnable that programmes supporting addiction are getting permission indiscriminately despite various organisations holding protests and demonstrations and giving representations.

Mrs Dhanashree Kelshikar of ‘Nashavirodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan’ stated that, it is necessary to find such ‘Shukracharyas in jars’ who support such programs instead of preventing the country from sliding into the abyss of drug addiction, and take action against them. She was speaking at a press conference organised by ‘Nashavirodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan’ at Mumbai Marathi Journalists’ Association on 19 December. On that occasion, Mr Rajesh Sawant, the coordinator of ‘Mokla Shwas Foundation’ was present.

Mrs Dhanashree Kelshikar said,

1. Through the campaign, awareness programmes were conducted in more than 50 colleges, taking this issue to hundreds of students. We personally met the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Department, senior officials of the Mumbai Port Trust, and the Traffic Police, and demanded that this event be cancelled. However, it is shocking that we received an extremely indifferent response from all these administrative authorities.

2. When we requested the officials of the Narcotics Department to pay special attention to cases of ‘drunk driving’ (driving under the influence of alcohol), they responded by saying, ‘Nowadays people come by ‘Ola’ and ‘Uber’; therefore, that issue does not arise at all.’

3. The National Human Rights Commission did not even show courtesy, by responding to the notice sent to the Police and the state Chief Secretary about this programme. Overall, this whole matter appears suspicious.

Administration’s is indifferent to the social ill effects of drugs – Rajesh Sawant, Convenor, ‘Mokla Shwas Foundation’

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Affecting brain and mind) Act, the presence of children under the age of 16 at such an event is a crime. The most serious thing is that no preventive action seems to have been taken regarding the deaths at the previous ‘Sunburn Festival’ venues, the the detection of drug traffickers, and allegations of tax evasion.

The administration’s cold response shows complete indifference to the harmful social consequences of intoxication. Intoxication is not just just about drunk driving, but a chain of violence, sexual crimes, death, health hazards, and crime. Why ignore the notice from the Human Rights Commission? Who will protect minors? Why no action against the guilty? These and several other questions arise under these circumstances.

Demands of the Anti-Drug Struggle Campaign to the Government!

1. All information regarding permissions granted to sunburn be made public.

2. An independent investigative agency be appointed to investigate the ‘Sunburn Festival’ under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

3. A complete report be submitted to the Human Rights Commission.

4. The ban on protests against this event be lifted immediately.

5. Minors should not be allowed entry to this event.