Punjab Marches Towards Becoming India's First Drug-Free State: Harpal Singh Cheema*

 Punjab Marches Towards Becoming India's First Drug-Free State: Harpal Singh Cheema*

Hoshiarpur,/April 21/Daljeet  ajnoha

Punjab is resolute in its mission to eradicate drug menace from its soil, with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Yudh Nashian Virudh, affirming the state’s commitment to becoming India's first drug-free state.

Addressing the media here after a crucial meeting with the civil and police administration of Hoshiarpur, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the concrete steps taken under the war on drugs campaign. “With a commendable 91% conviction rate in drug-related cases, Hoshiarpur district has spearheaded efforts against drug peddlers, leading to 179 FIRs registered and 271 arrests so far”, said Cheema.

Finance Minister said that the public participation has been instrumental in this fight, with 17 FIRs registered based on information provided by citizens under the Safe Punjab Campaign initiated by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The overwhelming support from the people has ensured that every piece of actionable intelligence is acted upon swiftly, he added.

Disclosing further, Finance Minister said that the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has gained significant momentum in the district, with 527 SAMPARK meetings conducted and 970 defense committees formed, reinforcing the grassroots commitment to eliminating drugs. “In an unprecedented show of solidarity, 442 village panchayats have passed resolutions backing this anti-drug initiative”, he added.

Finance Minister said that the district administration has identified 18 key hotspots and strengthened surveillance to curb interstate drug trade, particularly from Himachal Pradesh. A joint campaign with Himachal Police has been launched, reinforcing cross-border coordination to dismantle drug networks.

Emphasizing that the drugs infiltrated Punjab like a flood during the Akali-BJP rule and no concrete action was taken later during Captain Amrinder Singh’s tenure, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is waging an unprecedented battle against drugs for the past three years. He issued a stern warning to drug smugglers: either leave Punjab or abandon this trade as the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has been initiated to give this menace a final blow. He said that the current state government is unwavering in its commitment to reclaim Punjab’s future from the clutches of narcotics, ensuring a safer and healthier tomorrow for the people.