Sangrur, March 31 (NationPress) Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, declared on Tuesday that the state will now provide police help in just six minutes, aligning with standards observed in developed areas like the US and Europe. This announcement coincided with the launch of 508 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) in Sangrur, aimed at significantly bolstering on-ground policing throughout the state.

The newly deployed vehicles, which are outfitted with cutting-edge technology and distributed across all 28 police districts under the Dial 112 service, are designed to ensure prompt responses to emergency calls. This initiative marks a significant advancement in technology-driven law enforcement.

Supported by an investment of Rs 327.70 crore in police vehicles over the last four years, the Chief Minister emphasized that the modernization of the police force has not only enhanced law and order but has also tightened the noose around drug traffickers. Improved security is fostering increased investor confidence, as evidenced by Tata Steel establishing its second-largest plant in Punjab.

While addressing attendees, CM Mann urged the community to socially boycott those involved in the grave crime of drug trafficking, asserting that this is crucial to completely eradicate the issue from Punjab. He emphasized that individuals who have devastated generations should not receive any leniency, stating, “Such individuals must face consequences, and social ostracism will serve as a catalyst in liberating Punjab from drugs.”

Highlighting the government's decisive measures, he shared that, “The Punjab government has tightened its grip on drug trade, achieving a remarkable 87 percent conviction rate in related cases, a figure that surpasses all other states.” He referenced the ongoing 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign, which represents the most extensive crackdown on the drug network within Punjab, disrupting supply chains and imprisoning key offenders.

Emphasizing a collective effort, the Chief Minister stated, “A comprehensive and multifaceted strategy is in place to transform this initiative into a grassroots movement with proactive public involvement.”

Unlike previous administrations, he noted, the AAP government has ensured stringent actions against smugglers rather than allowing them to thrive. He asserted, “Our mission is to safeguard Punjab’s youth, and we will persist in this fight without hesitation.”

Addressing the challenge of ‘drug terrorism,’ CM Mann announced, “The Punjab Police is vigorously tackling cross-border drug smuggling, prioritizing citizen safety while counteracting hostile elements.” He also mentioned significant administrative reforms, stating, “For the first time, a bottom-up approach has been initiated, with vehicles now allocated to SHOs on the ground rather than solely to senior officials.”

Linking law and order to economic stability, he remarked, “The best indicator of law and order is the level of investment in a state, and the establishment of Tata Steel's second-largest plant in Punjab is a testament to this confidence.”