Sangrur, June 09: In order to further strengthen the "War Against Drugs" campaign being run by the Punjab government to eradicate drug abuse, Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj held a review meeting today at the Shri Kala Mata Mandir Hall with village Sarpanchs, Panchs, representatives of Level Defense Committees, campaign coordinators, and leaders from various sections of society.
On this occasion, MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj stated that a helpline number had been issued to eradicate drugs, and e-rickshaws have been deployed in villages and cities to create awareness and receive public complaints. Under this initiative, 155 complaints were received in Sangrur, and after investigation, action has already been taken against 22 individuals. The Punjab government has also provided treatment to nearly 90,000 individuals who were victims of drug abuse, and legal action has been taken against approximately 60,000 drug peddlers.
The MLA stated that it has been the history of Punjab that it has always fought against social evils and emerged victorious. Even now, Punjab will eradicate the evil of drugs to move forward toward progress. She noted that constant cooperation is being received from the people in this campaign, whether through the helpline number or complaints lodged via awareness e-rickshaws.
During the meeting, while reviewing the activities, MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is taking strict action against drug traffickers and anti-social elements. She emphasized that apart from breaking the supply chain of drugs, ending the demand for drugs is also a collective responsibility of society.
Mrs. Bharaj stated that strict legal action is being taken against a large number of drug peddlers under the campaign, and effective action is also being taken against illegal properties built from the drug trade. She asserted that no person involved in the drug business is being spared.
The MLA remarked that drugs do not affect just one person, but the entire family and society. Therefore, elected representatives of villages, youth, social organizations, and defense committees should work in coordination to intensify the public awareness campaign against drugs.
She appealed to Sarpanchs and Panchs to make special efforts to engage youth in sports, education, employment, and other constructive activities. She added that if any information regarding the sale or smuggling of drugs is received in any area, it should be immediately shared with the police and administration so that strict action can be taken against the culprits.
Narinder Kaur Bharaj emphasized that instead of ostracizing drug victims, it is the need of the hour to support their treatment and rehabilitation. The Punjab government is providing all possible help to affected individuals through de-addiction and rehabilitation centers.
She concluded that the creation of a drug-free Punjab is not possible through government efforts alone; it requires the active cooperation of every section of society. Every citizen must play their role in this social war to save future generations from the curse of drugs.
During the meeting, attendees shared information about the efforts being made against drugs in their respective areas and provided suggestions to make the campaign more effective.
The meeting was attended by SDM Sangrur Mr. Satish Chandra, SDM Bhawanigarh Mrs. Manjit Kaur, officials from various departments, village Sarpanchs, Panchs, Defense Committee members, social leaders, and other dignitaries.