
TN CM Stalin condemns summons issued to two senior journalists by Assam police
The CM, in his post on X handle, said the action of Assam police in issuing summons to the two journalists under Section 152 has been misused as a substitute for the repealed sedition law to suppress independent journalism. 'The summons have been issued despite the Supreme Court granting protection in a related matter only days earlier.
No copy of the FIR and no particulars of the case have been furnished, leaving only the threat of arrest. A democracy cannot survive if asking questions is treated as sedition,' Stalin said.
Rs 10L to journo's kin
Dindigul: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday condoled the death of journalist RT Sakthivel who died recently and announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased

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The Hindu
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Tamil Nadu among States tough on drug trade: Shankar Jiwal
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This is a reflection of stricter enforcement by the state police. The seizures tell the story. Since May 2021, over one lakh kilograms of ganja have been seized, alongside heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine, methaqualone and even disguised forms like ganja chocolates. This is despite Tamil Nadu holding firm on maintaining Zero Ganja Cultivation within its borders. In 2022, raids led to the record seizure of 28,383 kilograms of ganja, a 61 percent jump over 2020 and a 33 percent increase over 2021. Instead, drugs are smuggled in from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. Recognising this, Tamil Nadu even requested and secured the destruction of cannabis crops worth Rs. 4,000 crore spread over 6,416 acres in Andhra Pradesh. This level of inter-state cooperation demonstrates both the seriousness and reach of Tamil Nadu's anti-drug policy. Tamil Nadu's vigilance is reflected in the sheer diversity of offenders caught. 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Drug traffickers have changed their methods, using buses, trains, and two-wheelers to move smaller consignments. Tamil Nadu has responded by tightening inter-state monitoring, establishing checkpoints on routes from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and expanding surveillance. New challenges are also being met head-on. With cannabis availability shrinking, traffickers have turned to pharmaceutical drugs. In 2023, 39,910 tablets were seized. In 2024, the figure crossed one lakh - the highest ever. To handle such volumes, Tamil Nadu has set up Malkhanas, dedicated narcotics storage facilities, in key districts. Coordination and prevention The State-Level NCORD Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, brings together central and state enforcement, intelligence, health, and education authorities. Tamil Nadu has conducted the most District-Level NCORD meetings in India, holding 706 since 2022. 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