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.

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, May 16:

          In the biggest drug seizure of 2025 amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has busted a cross-border Pak-ISI controlled narco-smuggling module being operated by UK-based drug handler Lalli with the arrest of his India-based operative and recovered 85 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          The arrested operative, identified as Amarjot Singh alias Jota Sandhu, was using his residence at village Bhittewad in Amritsar as a major stash point for the network.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Amarjot was working on the behest of his UK-based drug handler Lalli and was receiving drug consignments from cross border drug smugglers, who were using drones to transport the contraband. Probe has also revealed that accused Amarjot collected heroin consignments from various border points and distributed them to local suppliers to supply further in different areas of Punjab, he added.

          The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting on reliable information, a police team of CIA Staff under the supervision of DSP (D) Gurinderpal Singh Nagra conducted a targeted operation and apprehended accused Amarjot Singh alias Jota Sandhu from near Chabhal road in Tarn Taran and recovered 5 kg Heroin from his Activa Scooter.

          During questioning, accused Amarjot disclosed that he has concealed two consignments of 40 kg each at Rakh Sarai Amanat Khan and another is in the washing mahine at his house in village Bhittewad, said the SSP, while adding that police teams were immediately dispatched at both the locations have recovered the contraband, taking the total recovery to 85 kg.

          He said that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, buyers and hawala handlers to ascertain the total quantity of drugs received by the arrested accused so far.

          A case under FIR No. 118 dated May 15, 2025, has been registered under sections 21 (c) and 25 of the NDPS Act at Tarn Taran City Police Station.

CHANDIGARH, May 16:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 76th day, Punjab Police on Friday arrested 146 drug smugglers and recovered 87 kg heroin, 1 kg opium, 407 kg poppy husk and Rs 42005 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 11,430 in just 76 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 92 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 543 locations across the state leading to the registration of 118 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 619 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 122 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that the state has adopted a comprehensive governmental strategy, integrating law enforcement, public health, education, and community leadership in its decisive battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse. “Our goal is not just seizures and arrests, but systemic disruption and long-term rehabilitation,” she added.

Attending the 8th Apex Committee Meeting of NCORD (National Coordination Mechanism for Drug Law Enforcement), chaired by the Union Home Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised that the Haryana Government recently launched a comprehensive anti-drug campaign Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

This flagship event was flagged off by Chief Minister himself in Sirsa and covered all assembly constituencies between April 5 and April 27, 2025. The Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 emerged as a powerful symbol of collective resolve against drug abuse, witnessing enthusiastic participation from government officials, local leaders, women, youth, and village communities. Covering an impressive distance of over 2,010 kilometers across all districts, the Cyclothon drew overwhelming public support, with 7,23,568 people attending various campaign events and 4,56,004 cyclists actively joining the movement.

She informed that the MANAS helpline (1933) has been operationalized statewide, with nodal officers appointed at both district and state levels. Orientation sessions have been conducted in collaboration with NCB Chandigarh, and all key departments have been directed to promote the helpline in their IEC materials.

Dr. Misra apprised that between January and April 2025, Haryana registered 143 cases under the NDPS Act involving commercial quantities of narcotics. A total of 332 individuals were arrested, including 145 inter-state smugglers. Seizures included 1.5 kg of heroin, 40 kg of charas, 904 kg of ganja, 50 kg of opium, 5,874 kg of poppy straw, over 91,000 tablets, 1,604 bottles, and nearly 48,000 capsules reflecting the extensive scale of the illicit drug trade being tackled in the state, she added.

Dr. Misra highlighted that the Haryana Government has also established eight exclusive Fast Track Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Special Courts in the districts namely Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Panipat. Plans are on the cards to establish such special courts in other districts as well. These courts have been set up to expedite the trial of offences under the said Act, ensuring timely adjudication and reinforcing the state’s commitment to combating drug trafficking through a robust judicial mechanism, she added.

Apart from this, 143 cases involving illegally acquired assets of drug offenders have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for financial investigations. Monthly Master Reports (MMRs) detailing major seizures are shared with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) by the State Crime Branch to ensure coordinated intelligence and joint operations.

The Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Misra informed that Haryana is also leveraging digital platforms such as the NCORD portal and the NIDAAN system (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders).  She   emphasized the state’s pioneering Drug-Free Panchayat/Ward Campaign, which certifies areas as “drug-free” only if there are no active peddlers and all known addicts are receiving treatment.

As of March 2025, 4,054 Panchayats (55.32%) and 859 Wards (42.31%) have achieved drug-free status. The “Sports for Youth” initiative, operated in 2,515 villages through trained police coaches, is engaging over 1.96 lakh youth in regular sports activities to promote discipline, fitness, and a positive relationship with law enforcement. SEWA, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, is leading district-level efforts chaired by Deputy Commissioners. The Education Department promotes anti-drug awareness through student-led Prahari Clubs. Haryana Uday program, has conducted 2,482 awareness events and facilitated the publication of 1,637 anti-drug news items between January and April 2025, reaching over 16.5 lakh people.

Dr. Misra apprised that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) is spearheading innovative social campaigns such as the viral Nasha Mukt Jeevan Bucket Challenge, which has received over 50 lakh views online. Another impactful initiative, the Namak Lota Abhiyan (Hriday Parivartan Abhiyan), encourages small-time drug offenders to publicly renounce the trade in a culturally symbolic ritual and supports them with rehabilitation, skills training, and reintegration into society.

Dr. Misra further informed that Haryana is upgrading its State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to better detect and analyze synthetic drugs and issue early alerts to enforcement agencies. Synthetic drug seizures are flagged for immediate attention, and proactive alerts are issued as part of the state’s multi-tiered strategy to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Member of the Haryana Staff SelectionCommission, Mr. Bhupendra Chauhan said that the recruitment process for a total of 7,596 Group-D posts will commence shortly. Of these, 1,209 posts have been specifically reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, including both Deprived Scheduled Caste (DSC) and Other Scheduled Caste (OSC) categories. Among these, 605 posts are reserved for DSC candidates, while 604 posts are allocated for OSC candidates.

Mr. Chauhan further explained that the selection process for these posts will be based on the scores obtained in the Common Eligibility Test (CET). He said that the recruitment will be conducted with complete transparency and merit, ensuring fairness and timeliness throughout the process.

He said that the Commission has recently launched a dedicated portal to allow DSC and OSC candidates to upload their updated certificates. He urged candidates to upload their new certificates promptly, as this will enable the Commission to announce the results. He also encouraged all candidates to stay connected to the official website of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission for ongoing updates and important information related to the recruitment process and results.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini today visited village Nagla Mohammadpur to pay tribute to Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a martyr from the subdivision of Hodal in district Palwal. Dinesh Kumar Sharma was martyred in a recent attack by the Pakistani Army on the Poonch border. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to a portrait of the martyr and expressed his heartfelt condolences to be bereaved family members.

During his visit, he assured the martyr’s family that both the government and the entire region stand with them in this time of grief. He consoled the bereaved family and promised all possible support.

The Chief Minister praised the bravery of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, who valiantly defended the border against enemy fire, ultimately sacrificing his life in the service of the nation. He said that his sacrifice is a source of immense pride for all Indians. It is noteworthy that the late Dinesh Kumar Sharma was posted at the Poonch border at the time of his martyrdom.

A Park to be built in the village in memory of Martyr Dinesh Kumar Sharma: Chief Minister

The Chief Minister said that the family of Martyr Dinesh Kumar Sharma would receive financial assistance and other benefits as per the government’s policy. In response to a suggestion by the martyr’s father, Daya Chand, to create a park on two and a half bigha of land in the village, the Chief Minister assured that a park would be constructed in the martyr’s name, honoring his supreme sacrifice during Operation Sindoor.

Chief Minister pays tribute to late Sheeshram Pathak

Afterward, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini visited the residence of the village Sarpanch, Kumar Yugpurush, to pay tribute to the Sarpanch’s grandfather, the late Pandit Sheeshram Pathak. The Chief Minister consoled the family members during this difficult time.

CM announces upgrade of primary school in response to Women’s request

While returning from the village, Chief Minister noticed a group of women gathered along the road. He stopped his convoy to listen to their concerns. The women requested the upgrade of the village’s primary school. In response, the Chief Minister immediately announced the upgrading of the primary school, fulfilling the demand on the spot.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Gaurav Gautam, MLA Harendra Singh, along with several dignitaries and village officials, were present.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired the 4th Meeting of State Cooperative Development Committee here today.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed officials to identify one such cooperative which can be turned into a model cooperative in the next one year, which would be known for its unique identity and service delivery. He emphasized that this model cooperative should exemplify innovation, transparency, sustainability, and outstanding service delivery, thereby setting a benchmark for others to follow.

The department unveiled a comprehensive year-long plan to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, in alignment with the United Nations’ declaration recognizing the crucial role of cooperatives in advancing sustainable development.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state has constituted the IYC-State Apex Committee (SAC) to coordinate and supervise the series of activities scheduled throughout the year. The celebrations will begin with the formal launch of the IYC-2025 annual calendar, an action plan booklet, and various publicity materials. The IYC logo will be prominently featured across government communications, social media platforms, and public displays. Activities will include cleanliness drives, cooperative-themed podcasts, and the implementation of e-office systems in all cooperative departments.

The meeting was informed that a wide range of programmes will be organized focusing on themes such as women empowerment, youth engagement, technological innovation, and sustainable farming practices. These will include special events, skill development initiatives, national seminars, and grassroots-level campaigns aimed at spreading awareness and strengthening the cooperative movement. The calendar of events also includes a cyclothon, webinars, exhibitions, plantation drives, and knowledge exchange programmes. A plantation drive under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ shall also be launched this year.

Through these extensive programmes, the Haryana Government aims to strengthen the cooperative spirit, showcase the state’s achievements, and encourage active public participation. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Haryana’s socio-economic development by promoting cooperatives as a model of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, Smt. Ashima Brar informed that the department is actively progressing with the computerisation of 710 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Primary Cooperative Credit Societies (PCCS) in the first phase of its digital transformation initiative. She stated that all required hardware has been delivered and installed, with internet connectivity now fully established across all 710 PACS. Out of these, 39 PACS have already been designated as functional e-PACS, marking a key milestone in the state’s digital cooperative reform efforts.

She said in line with fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’, the Government of India has decided to allow PACS to operate Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). There are 793 PACS out of which 772 PACS have fertilizer licence and 747 PACS have been converted as PMKSK in the state. To support this transformation, fertilizer companies have provided these Kendras with essential infrastructure, including LED display units, tables, chairs, and branded signboards. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance last-mile service delivery and improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs and advisory services.

Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, May 15 – The Haryana Government has issued posting/transfer orders of two IAS officers with immediate effect.

Dr. Priyanka Soni, Special Secretary, Vigilance Department and Special Secretary, Monitoring & Coordination has been posted as Director, New & Renewable Energy and Special Secretary, New Renewable and Energy Department, in addition to her present duties.

Sh. Akhil Pilani, District Municipal Commissioner, Yamunanagar, has been posted as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Yamunanagar, in addition to his present duties.

Chandigarh, May 15:

Undertaking a novel initiative, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today directed the department officers to prepare an Urban Forestry project under which tall plants would be planted in the urban areas. These plants would be protected by the tree guards on which the name of the department would be written.

In a meeting here today, the Minister emphasized that the project should focus on planting shady as well as the fruit bearing trees.

In another unique step, Mr. Kataruchak asked the officers to formulate a proposal for getting the Neem, Banyan and Pipal declared as the protected trees which would go a long way in ensuring their conservation.

While reviewing the works being done by the department in Shivalik Hills and North Circle, the Minister strongly advocated undertaking a major plantation drive aimed at increasing the area under green cover in the State. Batting for transparency in the development projects such as Nanak Bagichis and Pavittar Van, the Minister made it clear that laxity in execution of works would not be tolerated.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, CCF (Hills) Nidhi Srivastava, CF North Sanjeev Tiwari, CF Shivalik Circle Mr. Kannan, DFO Hoshiarpur Avneet Singh, DFO Pathankot Dharamveer Dheru, DFO Rupnagar Harjinder Singh and Daljit Kumar from Dasuya Division.