Punjab Transport and Jail Minister and member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on "War Against Drugs", S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Thursday, said that the "War Against Drugs" campaign waged by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is aimed at safeguarding the Punjab and its youth. Chairing the marathon meeting in Distt. Ferozepur, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the police and civil administration of the district to ensure active public participation in the "War Against Drugs" campaign.
While reviewing the de-addiction activities and issuing guidelines to further improve these initiatives, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar urged village sarpanches and panchayats to pass resolutions in gram sabhas against providing bail to drug traffickers, saying that drug traffickers should be socially boycotted and numberdars and sarpanches should not testify their bail proceedings.
"The drug menace can only be eliminated through strict measures, public cooperation and coordination between civil and police administration", the Cabinet Minister categorically added. S. Laljit Singh Bhullar urged district civil and police officials to encourage youth to participate in educational competitions, sports, cultural activities and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.
He also asked to ensure swift legal action against drug traffickers and confiscate all property acquired by them through the drug trade. He instructed district officials to issue weapon licenses to sarpanches for personal protection so they can safeguard themselves from drug traffickers.
He declared, "drug traffickers must either leave Punjab or abandon drug trafficking". During the meeting, MLA Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Advocate Rajnish Dahiya and MLA Fauja Singh Sarari shared their views, while highlighting initiatives being undertaken by the Mann Government across Punjab and stressing the need to build a people's movement against drugs, offering various suggestions.
Earlier, the Cabinet Minister visited the "War Room" set up by the district administration under the "War Against Drugs" campaign and praised the initiative of the district administration. Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma assured the Cabinet Minister that the entire Ferozepur district team is working with coordination and full dedication for the "War Against Drugs" campaign. Reaffirming her commitment, Mrs. Sharma said, "We will make Ferozepur a drug-free district within the stipulated time-frame."
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner welcomed the chief guest and highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by the district administration. DIG Mr. Swapan Sharma also shared his views and provided information about activities being conducted by the police in the border district.
SSP Ferozepur Mr. Bhupinder Singh Sidhu informed the Cabinet Minister that during police actions over the past 6 days, 23 FIRs have been registered, 31 arrests made and 7.5 kg heroin, 4070 narcotic pills, 1 drone and 1 pistol have been recovered. He said that proceedings for property confiscation are also underway.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bambah also highlighted the activities being carried out by the district administration under the anti-drug campaign through a PowerPoint presentation. Addressing media persons after the meeting, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to delivering a final blow to the drug trade in the state, asserting that border district police will soon be equipped with anti-drone technology to completely stop cross-border drug smuggling.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also honoured youth spreading awareness against drugs in border villages by presenting them with T-shirts bearing anti-drug slogans. The Cabinet Minister was also apprised that the BSF has launched a pre-recruitment training program to support the district administration's anti-drug campaign and to empower border youth and motivate them to stay away from drugs. This pilot project will also inspire them to stay drug-free and become capable of joining the army and police.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included SDM Zira Gurmeet Singh, SDM Ferozepur/Guruharsahai Divya P, Assistant Commissioner Simarnjeet Singh, District Education Officer (Secondary Education) Munila Arora, Planning Board Chairman S. Chand Singh Gill, chairpersons of all market committees of the district, all DSPs and SHOs along with officials from various departments.