Village-level Defence committees are playing a vital role in intercepting drones used for drug smuggling from across the border and in preventing drug abuse in border areas. These remarks were made by the Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, while addressing the members of the village-level Defence committees in Bhagwanpura village of Tarn Taran district.
On this occasion, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivdular Singh Dhillon, Secretary Red Cross Punjab, Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran, Shri Rahul, and SSP, Shri Abhimanyu Rana, were also present. Before this, Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria paid homage to the martyr Abdul Hamid Ji at the Shaheed Abdul Hamid Memorial in the village of Asal Utar by offering floral tributes.
Later, while meeting with the Panches, Sarpanches, local dignitaries, and members of the village-level defence committees of the border villages of Tarn Taran district, the Governor said that these committees are working excellently in collaboration with central security agencies and state government agencies, and there is a need to further strengthen them.
While addressing the members of the village-level defence committees, he urged them to contribute their maximum efforts in motivating the youth to stay away from drugs and to inspire them towards sports in their respective villages. He mentioned that the Punjab government is spending ₹10 crore on anti-drone technology to prevent drug smuggling from across the border, which is an excellent initiative.
He further stated that the central government is also providing anti-drone technology to the BSF (Border Security Force) in border areas to control drug smuggling via drones from Pakistan. He emphasized that with the help of anti-drone technology and public cooperation, there has been a significant reduction in drug smuggling via drones from across the border.
Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria called on the youth of the state to work closely with the government and security forces to completely eradicate drugs from the state. Addressing the Panches, Sarpanches, and members of the Village Defence Committees in border villages, he said that neighboring countries are trying to weaken us through covert means, but Pakistan's malicious intentions will never succeed.
He appealed to the people of the border villages that if someone in their village is suffering from drug addiction, they should ensure proper treatment, and if someone is selling drugs, they should inform the police. He reassured that any information provided by the public will be kept completely confidential.
He also emphasized that while the police are doing their work, the Village Defence Committees in border areas, if more vigilant, can easily identify the enemies of society.Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria praised the district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Shri Rahul for the efforts being made in drug prevention and other welfare activities.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the event, Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran, Shri Rahul, welcomed the Governor and expressed confidence that the administration would leave no stone unturned in implementing the Governor's directives to eliminate drugs and maintain peace and harmony. He assured that the district administration would implement the Governor’s instructions effectively. He also mentioned that Village Defence Committees doing excellent work in their respective villages would be specially honored.