Aam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu said that Punjab is currently fighting a decisive battle against drugs. This battle is not possible without your support. The war against drugs will not end merely by apprehending a few individuals or taking action against drug smugglers. More steps need to be taken for this.

The AAP leader stated that the actions being taken by the police are indeed instilling confidence among the people. Over the past month, we have seen how the police have acted courageously and wisely against drug smugglers in various areas. However, the problem will not be solved just by catching those who sell drugs.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the ongoing, large-scale campaign 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership to eliminate drug abuse from the state. Speaking on the issue, Cheema applauded the efforts of Punjab Police in arresting major drug traffickers, dismantling their operations, and taking stringent actions, including demolishing properties linked to drug dealers.

Cheema remarked, “The war on drugs is not just about catching drug traffickers. We must also focus on providing a positive direction to our youth, who are ensnared by addiction. Employment is the most effective way to steer them away from drugs. When our young people have access to stable jobs and bright futures, they will not turn to drugs. That is the long-term solution to this problem.”

Desh Bhagat University, a prestigious institution dedicated to promoting academic excellence and cultural heritage, proudly organized an International Seminar on Gurmat Sangeet by Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, bringing together experts, scholars, and enthusiasts from around the world to delve into the rich tradition of Sikh music. The event, which took place at the university's state-of-the-art campus, aimed to promote the understanding and preservation of Gurmat Sangeet, the devotional music of Sikhism. The seminar was attended by renowned Gurmat Sangeet scholars, musicologists, and artists, who shared their knowledge and insights on various aspects of this sacred music tradition. The event featured insightful discussions, lectures, and performances that highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Gurmat Sangeet in the Sikh faith. The inaugural session was held at the Mahapragya Seminar Hall on the DBU campus. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, Dr. Zora Singh; Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Tajinder Kaur and Advisor to Chancellor, Dr. Virinder Singh. The convenors of this international event included Dr. Harsh Sadawarti, Vice President; Dr. Kanwaljit Singh, Incharge Faculty of Music and Gurmat Sangeet Department. On this ocassion Desh Bhagat University’s Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh, welcomed the participants and expressed the university’s commitment to preserving and promoting Sikh cultural heritage through such initiatives. “Our aim is to create a platform for global dialogue on the significance of Gurmat Sangeet in the modern world. By organizing this international seminar, we hope to inspire a renewed interest in this revered art form,” said Dr. Zora Singh.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University (SGGSWU), Fatehgarh Sahib, and Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and academic collaboration. The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Prit Pal Singh and KVM Executive Director Umendra Datt. This collaboration aims to integrate traditional ecological farming knowledge with modern research, providing students with practical exposure to organic farming, soil health management, and biodiversity conservation. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Pritpal Singh highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting research-driven education, while Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing underlined the importance of hands-on learning opportunities for students. Umendra Datt emphasized the need to revive sustainable agricultural practices for environmental and public health benefits. This initiative will facilitate joint research, training programs, and awareness campaigns to empower students and farmers with knowledge of eco-friendly agricultural practices.

AAP leader Baltej Pannu, in a statement, reiterated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has consistently stood by the farmers of Punjab, be it during the fight against the three black farm laws or in addressing current issues. He emphasized that AAP’s Punjab government is committed to solving the state’s challenges and advancing its progress.

Pannu highlighted the current critical issue of highway closures, which he stated are severely affecting Punjab’s trade, industry, and connectivity. He remarked that highways are essential for facilitating trade and creating employment opportunities for the youth. "When industries are disrupted due to halted transportation, it directly leads to increased unemployment and a rise in drug abuse among youth," he added.

The AAP leader also called for a united effort to fight drug trafficking in Punjab, asserting that while the government is working tirelessly to crack down on drug networks, providing jobs to the youth is equally vital to keep them away from addiction.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has made an emotional appeal to farmers, urging them not to block Punjab’s highways and disrupt its progress. While reiterating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s unwavering support for farmers’ demands, Sandhwan emphasized the adverse effects of prolonged road blockades on Punjab’s economy, industry, and employment opportunities for the youth.

“The people of Punjab and the state government have always stood with the farmers, whether it was during the fight against the three black laws or the Modi government's plan to turn stadiums into prisons for farmers. However, the continuous closure of highways has caused significant harm to Punjab. Our industries, businesses, and youth are suffering,” said Sandhwan.

Punjab’s Cabinet Minister, Laljit Singh Bhullar, reaffirmed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s unwavering support for farmers, emphasizing the importance of addressing their demands at the appropriate platform. Bhullar appealed to farmers to take their Centre-related demands to Delhi instead of blocking Punjab’s highways, as it is causing immense harm to the state’s economy and development.

“Our government has always stood with the farmers, and we continue to do so because we, too, belong to farming families,” said Bhullar. “However, the continuous closure of highways is obstructing Punjab’s progress. Industries and businesses are suffering, youth employment is being delayed, and the state’s development is at a standstill.”

Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh expressed deep concern over the ongoing closure of highways across the state, emphasizing the significant economic, social, and logistical damage it has caused. Speaking on the issue, Sondh highlighted the unwavering support of the Punjab government for farmers while urging a more strategic approach to address their grievances without harming Punjab’s development.

Minister Sondh stated that the closure of Punjab's borders and national highways for over a year has inflicted severe economic damage on the state. He pointed out that these closures have disrupted trade, impacted tourism, and caused significant hardships to commuters, including NRIs and local residents.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang has called for a collaborative and constructive approach to resolve the ongoing issues faced by farmers. He highlighted that Punjab's borders have been blocked for over a year, leading to significant economic losses, reduced investments, and a decline in tourism.

Speaking on the matter, MP Malvinder Singh Kang said, “Every Punjabi has always stood firmly with the farmers. Whether it was the black farm laws or any other challenge, the people of Punjab—urban and rural, youth, farmers, laborers, and businessmen—have supported the farmers’ movements wholeheartedly. The repeal of the black farm laws was a victory achieved through unity and resilience.”

Kang pointed out the adverse effects of the prolonged border closures on Punjab. “The closure of Punjab’s borders, particularly at Shambhu, has not only created economic hardships but also affected religious tourism. The number of devotees visiting sacred places like Darbar Sahib has declined. Furthermore, the biggest challenge is the lack of investment, which is directly tied to industrial growth and employment generation. This is a pressing issue as unemployment is one of the root causes of drug abuse in Punjab.”

Achieving a new milestone in government recruitments, Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday created history by giving 52,606 jobs to the youth merely in 36 months of assuming the charge of office.

Addressing the gathering in a function to hand over appointment letters to 951 ETT teachers, the Chief Minister congratulated all the youth for getting these jobs thereby becoming active partners in the social and economic development of Punjab. He said that the state government is working tirelessly for the holistic development of Punjab for which young and qualified youth are required. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for this purpose only the state government has embarked this massive recruitment drive for putting the state on a high growth trajectory.