Chandigarh/Barnala, April 1:
Under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign initiated by the Punjab Government to make the state drug-free, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, held a high level meeting with Barnal district civil, police, and departmental officials at the District Administrative Complex, Barnala.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Sond emphasized that Punjab has no place for those who exploit the youth through drug trafficking. He directed all officials to continue this extensive campaign to eradicate the drug menace and to raise awareness among the youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Various departments also shared updates on their respective initiatives in this regard.
Deputy Commissioner T. Banith informed that 175 panchayats in the district have pledged to fight against drugs, and the district administration is actively bringing reformed addicts to the forefront to inspire others. Additionally, a Light and Sound Show against drug abuse was organized at the district level, attended by around 4,000 people, with plans to conduct street plays in villages for greater outreach.
Minister Sond instructed the administration to conduct street plays in every village and town and to install awareness boards in public places. He reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitating individuals trapped in drug addiction and reintegrating them into mainstream society.
On this occasion, District Police Chief Muhammad Sarfaraz Alam provided insights into police search operations and the seizure of narcotics.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that previous governments did nothing to combat drug abuse, whereas under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has been taking stringent action against drugs and traffickers for the past three years. Ministers have been assigned responsibilities across districts to ensure the success of this campaign.
The district administration reported that the Health Department of Barnala, as part of this campaign, inspected 391 pharmacies, took action against 36 for violations, sealed three, and revoked the licenses of two. Additionally, drug-related cash worth one crore rupees was seized, and show-cause notices were issued to 11 pharmacies.
Significantly, Barnala Police, under this initiative, have arrested 277 accused individuals, seized 18 kilograms of poppy husk and approximately 7,500 drug capsules, and even demolished a property involved in drug trafficking.
The “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is yielding positive results. Notably, 175 panchayats in Barnala district have passed resolutions against drugs, expressing their commitment to support the police. Minister Sond affirmed that with continued public support, this battle will be won soon.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond was accorded a guard of honor by the police.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included MLA Labh Singh Ugoke, Chairman of Nagar Sudhar Trust Ram Tirath Manna, Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Satwant Singh, SDM Gurbir Singh Kohli, SDM Harkamaljit Singh, SDM Rishabh Bansal, and officials from various departments.
