How Can Punjab Eliminate the Drug Menace?

Synopsis
Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal call for a united front against the drug crisis, urging citizens to eradicate this deep-rooted issue. Their initiative aims to mobilize communities and transform the fight against drugs into a mass movement, setting a hopeful blueprint for a drug-free future.
Key Takeaways
- Campaign Launch: Yudh Nasheyan Virudh aims to eliminate drugs.
- Supply Disruption: Strategies to cut off drug supply have been implemented.
- Community Involvement: Public support is crucial for success.
- Youth Engagement: Sports facilities will be built to empower the youth.
- Historical Context: Previous governments contributed to the drug crisis.
Hoshiarpur, May 17 (NationPress) In a powerful appeal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to completely eradicate the roots of the drug menace from the state.
Speaking to the audience after administering an oath, the Chief Minister highlighted that the drug issue haunting Punjab is a serious consequence of the negligence from past administrations, which has led to the current dire situation.
He called upon the public for their support in the battle against drugs, declaring the drug crisis as a disgraceful mark on the state's reputation. It took the current government over two years to devise a comprehensive plan to eliminate this societal curse.
Mann stated that they have successfully disrupted the drug supply chain, incarcerated key players involved in this despicable activity, ensured rehabilitation for drug victims, and confiscated and destroyed properties belonging to drug traffickers.
The Chief Minister announced the launch of a campaign named Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, aimed at cleansing the state of drugs.
He encouraged the public to join forces in this battle against drugs and turn it into a widespread movement. He cited a village that has declared itself drug-free, urging other regions to follow suit.
Mann expressed that if the people of Punjab are genuinely committed to achieving a drug-free state, then nothing will deter them from this honorable mission.
Taking a jab at traditional party leaders, he remarked that those who indulge in luxury for themselves cannot comprehend the challenges faced by the common man.
Emphasizing Hoshiarpur’s significance, the Chief Minister praised the district for its elevated literacy levels and historical importance, mentioning that the first post-independence Panjab University was founded here.
He also commended a local village for becoming a drug-free zone, showcasing the united effort of its residents.
On a related note, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pointed out that the drug crisis in Punjab intensified due to the collusion between previous governments and drug traffickers.
He voiced concern for the affected families, asserting that their emotional suffering underscores the longstanding neglect of this critical issue by successive governments.
Kejriwal criticized past administrations for allowing the drug trade to flourish and even suggested that some officials were complicit, using government resources to facilitate their operations.
He assured that the fight against drugs would extend to grassroots levels, with plans for engagements in approximately 13,000 villages across the state. To positively channel the energy of the youth, the government will also construct sports stadiums in every village.