To further strengthen the effectiveness of the Punjab Government's “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign aimed at making the state drug-free, a special review meeting was held today at Atwal Palace, Dirba, under the leadership of Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Addressing the meeting, Cheema said that building a drug-free Punjab cannot be achieved solely through the efforts of the government; it requires the active cooperation of every section of society.
He said that village sarpanches, panches, defence committees, social organizations and youth should play a more active role in the fight against drug abuse so that Punjab can be freed from this menace. Cheema stated that Punjab Police has been equipped with modern anti-drone systems to curb drug smuggling.
These systems are proving effective in preventing the smuggling of narcotics through drones in border areas. In addition, large-scale action is being taken to dismantle the drug supply chain.
The Cabinet Minister informed that under the “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign, more than 12,000 drug-related complaints have been received so far, while information on over 2,500 drug-affected individuals has also been received. He said that with the support of the public, strict action is being taken against drug smugglers, and legal action has been initiated against more than 60,000 individuals to date.
Cheema further stated that the Punjab Government is also undertaking extensive efforts for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug victims. Under these initiatives, more than 90,000 drug-affected persons have been provided treatment and efforts have been made to reintegrate them into the mainstream of society.
He emphasized that drug addiction affects not only an individual but also entire families and society. Therefore, instead of isolating drug victims, they should be helped return to normal life through compassion, empathy and support.
He appealed to the public to assist in connecting drug-affected individuals with treatment and rehabilitation services. He said that Punjab has a proud history of successfully confronting every major challenge, and similarly, the state will eradicate the menace of drugs from its roots and achieve new heights of development and progress.
Emphasizing the need to connect youth with sports, the Cabinet Minister said that sports are one of the most effective tools in preventing drug abuse. With this objective, the Punjab Government is constructing a large number of sports stadiums in villages.
He added that several athletes from the Dirba constituency are winning medals at the international level and bringing glory to Punjab and the country. He informed that modern sports stadiums are being constructed in various villages of the Dirba constituency at a cost of several crores of rupees, which will provide better sporting facilities to local youth.
Cheema urged elected representatives in villages to make special efforts to engage youth in sports, education, employment and other constructive activities. He also appealed to people to immediately share any information regarding the sale or smuggling of drugs with the police and administration.
During the meeting, participants shared details of the initiatives being undertaken in their respective areas to combat drug abuse and offered suggestions to make the campaign more effective. Identity cards were also distributed to members of the defence committees formed for drug prevention.
Among those present on the occasion were Tapinder Singh Sohi, OSD to Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema; Pritam Singh Peetu, Chairman, Improvement Trust Sangrur; Jasvir Kaur Shergill, Chairperson, Market Committee Dirba; Harvinder Singh Chhajli, Chairman, Market Committee Sular Gharat; SDM Dirba Tarsem Chand; DSP Dirba Dr. Rupinder Kaur; along with officials from various departments, sarpanches, panches, members of defence committees, social leaders and other distinguished citizens.