Lakhanpal (Jalandhar), May 16:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Friday gave clarion call to the people of the state to act as watchdogs for checking the menace of drugs to save our coming generations.
Addressing the gathering in a function to administer oath to people, the Chief Minister said that it is heartening to learn that people are saying that things have changed in the villages after the launch of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He said that this decisive war against drugs has been meticulously planned and flawlessly executed due to which it is giving desired results. Subsequently, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the drug line was snapped, smugglers were nabbed and rehabilitation of drug victims was ensured.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will not sit idly and watch the smugglers bloom at the cost of the dead bodies and pyres of the drug victims. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. He said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.
The Chief Minister said that this sacred land was blessed by saints, seers and martyrs adding that it is known for its Generals, Lieutenants, officers, players and others. However, he said that the rulers of the state during previous regimes became hand in glove with the drug smugglers and promoted this illegal business. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while one of the previous governments started this business their successors ensured that it bloomed in a big way.
The Chief Minister said that the leaders only befooled the people of the state for their vested interests and never made any decision for the sake of the state. He said that their every step was aimed at the well being of their nears and dears due to which the state lagged behind. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now when the state government has started the cleansing drive the results are visible adding that the harvest of drugs has been finished but the seeds are still there, which too will be cleared.
The Chief Minister said that opposition is mum on the issues as their hands are drenched with blood of the innocent people of the state. He said that they are not concerned with the state or its people and were bothered about their own interests only. Bhagwant Singh Mann warned the people of state that God forbid if the opposition returns back to power the problem of drugs will again flex its muscles in state.
The Chief Minister said that people had already rejected these leaders who had patronized the drug trade by ousting them from power. However, he said that if these leaders again come to seek the vote from them, then the Punjabis must ask them the question of why they had favored drug smugglers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders have no sympathy with the common man and their sole aim is to plunder the wealth of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will save the water and youth of the state adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. He said that the state government has already given more than 54000 jobs to the youth purely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the move is aimed at making youth an active partner in socio-economic development of the state.
The Chief Minister said that in many villages the drug smugglers have already left the business and fled away from the state. He said that no one will be able to indulge in such heinous crime and a severest of severe action will be taken against them. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that there is no place for the drug smugglers on this sacred land and they will soon be a matter of history as Punjab is marching forward for becoming drug free.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for giving major fillip to development of the state and there is no dearth of funds for this. He said that massive works like rejuvenation of ponds in villages, construction of roads and others are already going in full swing. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the villagers to be watchdogs for checking the menace of drugs and accelerating the pace of development in the state.
The Chief Minister reiterated that it is heartening to see that a large number of women were participating in this function, which is a good sign, as they are the real sufferers of the drug menace as their families are ruined. He said that if the women rise in such a big way to eliminate any menace then that it will be wiped out very soon. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when the state will be completely drug free with the active participation of the women in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has vehemently opposed the draconian move of centre, BBMB and Haryana government to steal waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse for their vested interests but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never allow this adding that as Punjab has upgraded its canal water system so now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season. He categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states and no one will be allowed to usurp our rights.
