Mann urges Punjabis to unite against drug Menace

Mohali: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday called upon people to join the battle to eradicate the drug menace in the state, protect the future of its youth and restore the state’s lost glory. Mann urged young people to shun drugs permanently and embrace education and sports, while holding previous BJP, Akali and Congress governments responsible for “spreading drugs.” He was addressing after flagging off a bikers’ rally across all 23 districts to turn the fight against drugs into a people’s movement.

The launch of the final phase of the anti-drug drive, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, from the historic land of Chapparchiri carries immense significance, as it is associated with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s historic struggle against injustice and tyranny, he said.

The same spirit of courage, sacrifice and determination will guide Punjab in its battle against drugs, he said. Urging people to join the campaign against drugs, Mann said, the fight cannot be won by the government alone and requires the united strength of every Punjabi.

Making the anti-drug campaign a collective movement, the bikers’ rally will travel across all 23 districts of Punjab, taking the message against drugs to villages, towns and communities, he said. A dedicated vehicle will accompany the rally to collect public feedback and suggestions for the welfare and development of Punjab. During the rally, people can also report drug traffickers or share information about them, he said. Reaffirming the government’s resolve to dismantle drug-smuggling networks, he said, “Anti-drone systems have been deployed along the borders to detect and intercept drones used for transporting drugs from across the border.

The government is strengthening efforts to check cross-border drug smuggling and protect Punjab’s youth from this menace.”

He said, “More than 81,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, 3,900 kg of heroin and 983 kg of opium have been seized, and the conviction rate in drug-trafficking cases has reached 89 per cent.” Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting religious sentiments, he said, “A legislation has been enacted to prescribe exemplary punishment, including life imprisonment without parole, for sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”

The government is committed to upholding the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, protecting people’s religious sentiments and ensuring stringent action against such offences, he said.