Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rupnagar Police Range, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, emphasized the urgent need to boost the morale of drug-affected youth and guide them towards de-addiction and rehabilitation. He was addressing a public meeting held under the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ at Grand Castle Palace, Gharuan.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab Police, DIG Bhullar said, “We are dedicated to fulfilling the vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Sh. Gaurav Yadav to eradicate drugs from the sacred soil of Punjab. No one will be allowed to ruin the future of our youth.”
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign, he informed that a total of 23,237 arrests have been made over the past 145 days as part of the drive. He urged citizens to join hands with the police in this mission, stating that public participation is vital in rebuilding the confidence of families affected by drug addiction.
Encouraging them to guide such individuals towards OOAT Clinics and De-addiction Centres, he assured that local Station House Officers (SHOs) will extend all possible assistance for timely treatment. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans, also present at the gathering, urged the community to make full use of the Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline – 97791-00200 (WhatsApp-based chatbot) to report drug trafficking or seek help for drug-dependent individuals.
He assured that the identity of the informants will be kept strictly confidential. SSP Hans also noted that the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukti Yatras’ have played a key role in mobilizing public support, with thousands taking pledges to neither use nor facilitate the use of drugs.
He appealed to local residents and Panchayats to provide wholehearted support to the police in protecting the future of Punjab’s youth from the drug menace. Retired Wing Commander J. S. Minhas from Chandigarh University also addressed the gathering, commending the police initiative and assured to keep the university campus and nearby area free from drugs and substance abuse by making awareness.
The event was attended by prominent local figures and Panchayat representatives from Gharuan, Kurali, Kharar, Balongi, and Landran, along with SPs Manpreet Singh and Mohit Aggarwal, DSP Kharar Karan Singh Sandhu, Professor Gurbakshish Singh Antal, and the local SHO.