Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, March 11:
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched a vigorous campaign to create a drug-free Punjab. In line with this mission, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar visited Sri Muktsar Sahib district today to assess the implementation of the anti-drug campaign at the grassroots level. He presided over meeting with officials of various departments and directed them to take strict action against those involved in drug trafficking. MLA S. Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar and S. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon were also present during the meeting.
Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that while the government is actively working to dismantle the drug supply chain, it is equally focused on channeling the energy of the youth into positive directions through sports. He announced that the initiative to make Sri Muktsar Sahib drug-free will begin with the launch of a sports campaign, adding that the state government is committed to promoting sports culture by organizing events and rewarding athletes who excel at the national and international levels with cash incentives.
The Minister highlighted that properties of drug traffickers are being attached and illegally acquired assets are being demolished. He criticized the previous governments for their lenient approach toward drug-related issues, which allowed the problem to escalate and assured that under the strict stance adopted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government, Punjab will be made drug-free soon.
S. Bhullar also urged village panchayats to pass resolutions stating that no resident would help such people to get bail who involved in drug trafficking. He stressed that collective action and commitment from all sections of society will help in achieving the goal of making state as Rangla Punjab and drug-free.
While speaking to the media, the Minister mentioned that police have been instructed to maintain a strict vigil, particularly near sports grounds and parks, as these locations are often targeted by drug peddlers to lure young people.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish and SSP Akhil Chaudhary briefed the Minister about the various measures taken under the anti-drug campaign in the district.
Sports for Drug-Free Sri Muktsar Sahib
Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar announced that the district administration of Sri Muktsar Sahib will soon launch a sports campaign aimed at engaging youth in constructive activities and steering them away from drugs. He informed that a detailed assessment of the available sports infrastructure and human resources in the district is being carried out to ensure the success of this campaign.
100 drug-peddlers arrested in 10 Days
S. Bhullar informed that under the anti-drug campaign initiated by the government, 64 FIRs have been registered and 100 drug peddlers have been arrested in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in the last 10 days. Special surveillance is being maintained in identified hotspot areas to curb drug-related activities.
Community and parental vigilance encouraged
The Minister stressed the importance of community involvement in the fight against drugs. He stated that parents need to play an active role in guiding and monitoring their children. He revealed that 244 seminars have been organized in the district this year to raise awareness and encourage community participation in the anti-drug campaign. S. Laljit Singh Bhullar expressed confidence that just as Punjab overcame terrorism through collective efforts, the drug menace can also be eradicated with the support of the people.
The event was attended by Amit Singh Khudian, Chairman Jagdeep Singh Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Gurpreet Singh Thind, Additional Deputy Commissioner Development Surinder Singh Dhillon, SP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, SDM Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, SDM Baljit Kaur, Block President Paramjit Singh Pamma, Sukhjinder Singh Brar, Gurpreet Singh Lande Rode, Jagdeep Singh Dhillon and officials from various departments.
