Sri Fatehgarh Sahib/May 3:
(Ravinder Singh Dhindsa)
Due to the patronage of previous governments, drugs spread widely across Punjab, and water resources were plundered unchecked. As a result, Punjab experienced periods of terrorism, and many of its youth were forced to migrate abroad. Some leaders even took oaths to eradicate drugs but ended up deceiving the public, while drug use continued to increase. Leaders who once inagurated canal construction later claimed to be protectors of Punjab’s water. It is only after the formation of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann that conditions began to improve, and Punjab is now moving towards becoming "Rangla Punjab" once again. Drugs will not be tolerated in the state under any circumstances, and the looting of Punjab’s water will be stopped entirely. This was stated by Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond while speaking as the Chief Guest at the district-level meeting of Village Defence Committees held at Sohan Farm, Sirhind. He stated that the Punjab government is working day and night for the state’s holistic development, and positive outcomes are already visible. Earlier, students would not receive textbooks even two months after the academic session began. Now, with the session starting on April 1, textbooks and uniforms were delivered to government schools as early as March 20. He noted that many people are now receiving zero electricity bills and electricity supply to agricultural fields is also adequate. The Minister added that before the Aam Aadmi Party came to power, the condition of healthcare services was poor.
Today, a large number of people are seeking treatment at government healthcare facilities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has done more for the welfare of its people in a short period than previous governments did in 75 years. He said no one previously had the courage to speak against drugs, but the Punjab government has taken a firm stand and set an example. On this occasion, the Minister thanked those Gram Panchayats that passed anti-drug resolutions and congratulated the villages that have become completely drug-free. He administered an oath to the members of Village Defence Committees to work with full commitment toward eradicating drugs. He also shared that district police and administrative officials have been directed to act promptly on any information provided by committee members. The Minister emphasized that drug addicts must be provided treatment, and those selling drugs must be put behind bars. He also remarked that no leader has taken a stronger stand to stop the looting of Punjab’s water than Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. During the event, Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Lakhbir Singh Rai said that Punjab made the greatest sacrifices for India’s independence, and today, Chief Minister Mann has taken a bold stand to protect Punjab’s water. He stated that any campaign can only succeed with the support of the people.
He pointed out that anti-social elements lure youth into addiction, and families often hesitate to speak up, which allows the issue to worsen and makes recovery more difficult. He added that those who built illegal structures by selling drugs are now facing demolition. There is a need to raise awareness among all levels of society to eliminate this menace. People are now praising the government for taking action against even the most powerful drug traffickers. The government is fulfilling its duty, and the public must do the same. He also acknowledged the vital role the media has played in supporting this mission. MLA from Bassi Pathana, Rupinder Singh Happy, stated that the need for a "War Against Drugs" arose because, under previous governments, drug traffickers were supported instead of being restrained. Earlier, if someone was arrested, village heads and other local leaders would secure their release. Today, Panchayats are passing anti-drug resolutions, and no calls are made by leaders in favor of offenders. He said drug addicts will be treated with empathy and supported through recovery, while drug traffickers will not be spared.
He also urged everyone to support the government’s efforts to conserve water. During the event, videos highlighting anti-drug operations and water conservation initiatives in Punjab were shown. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind and SSP Shubham Agarwal shared details of the measures being taken by the administration to eradicate drugs. Also present at the event were Amloh MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Birring, District Planning Committee Chairman Ajay Singh Libra, Chairman of Sirhind Market Committee Gurvinder Singh Dhillon, Chairman of Mandi Gobindgarh Market Committee Jagdeep Singh, District Coordinator of the Drug-Free Campaign Onkar Singh Chauhan, office-bearers of the Aam Aadmi Party, dignitaries, and a large number of Village Defence Committee members.