Chandigarh, March 1
The Mann Government is taking a stringent stand against drugs and drug trafficking. Over the past several days, large-scale police actions have been taking place across Punjab against drugs, with continuous meetings involving the Chief Minister, ministers, and senior administrative officials.
On Saturday, the Punjab Government intensified its campaign against drugs with the first meeting of the five-member sub-committee led by Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The meeting was attended by other committee members, including Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Dr. Balbir Singh, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, and discussions were held in detail on all issues related to drugs. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha were also present at the meeting.
Harpal Cheema also got responsibility for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Ropar, Tarn Taran, and Hoshiarpur districts. Meanwhile, Aman Arora has been entrusted with Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
Minister Tarunpreet Sondh will oversee Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, and Malerkotla. Meanwhile, Minister Laljit Bhullar will handle Faridkot, Muktsar, Mansa, Fazilka, and Ferozepur. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh will oversee the entire health infrastructure and health department of Punjab and review administrative work related to health services.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Harpal Cheema said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a significant fight has been initiated against drugs. "We will break the drug nexus and make Punjab completely drug-free. Our government is committed to eradicating drugs from the state."
Harpal Cheema also mentioned that meetings with DCs and SSPs will now be held in all districts, involving lower-level officials as well, to strengthen the campaign and ensure better action against traffickers. He appealed to the people of Punjab to support the government in this campaign and to admit individuals suffering from drug addiction to hospitals immediately.
Addressing the media, Aman Arora said that national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have been deeply concerned about the drug menace in Punjab for a long time. Following a significant meeting convened by CM Bhagwant Mann, which included all committee members and civil and police officials, actions against drug traffickers have been intensified.
He appealed to the public to admit young individuals addicted to drugs to hospitals immediately. “They will be treated as patients, not criminals, and their health will be properly taken care of.”
He urged everyone to support the campaign and share information related to individuals involved in drugs. He also called upon political parties, religious organizations, and social groups to cooperate in this effort. "We will not rest until drugs are eradicated from Punjab," he said. "We are fighting to save the next generation of Punjab." He also appealed to opposition leaders to support this cause instead of indulging in politics over the issue.