The Fact News Service
Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, March 5
In a major breakthrough, Tarn Taran’s civil and police administration has assured Chairman of Yudh Nashian Virudh Cabinet Sub Committee, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema that the district will become Punjab’s first drug-free district. This commitment was made during a meeting between Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and the Tarn Taran civil and police administration, in the presence of people’s representatives from the district.
While chairing the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the police and civil administration to ensure active participation from the community in the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. He reviewed the drug de-addiction activities and issued directions to further improve these initiatives and directed the civil administration to adopt initiatives to encourage youth participation in educational competitions, sports, culture, and other activities promoting a healthier lifestyle.
The Finance Minister also directed the police administration to ensure quick legal action against drug peddlers, with all their property acquired through drug trade to be attached. SSP Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana apprised the Finance Minister that property worth Rs. 26 crore was attached last year, over Rs. 2 crore this year, and action is underway to attach property in six additional cases. He also reported that 80 individuals have been taken into custody under NDPS act in the district, and 13 kg of heroin has been seized as part of this campaign.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar emphasized creating a public movement against drugs, quoting the initiatives being taken in his constituency, Patti. Adding to this, MLA Khadoor Sahib Manjinder Singh Lalpura mentioned that 80 villages from his constituency have passed resolutions, resolving not to allow drugs to be sold in their areas. He also stated that 87 villages will be provided with Volleyball kits to divert the attention of youth from drugs to sports. During the meeting, MLA Tarn Taran Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal and MLA Khemkaran Sarwan Singh Dhun also shared their views.
Later, addressing the media, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to delivering a final blow to the drug trade in the state. He said that every effort would be made to bring back individuals involved in running drug trade operations from abroad to be punished according to the law. He further mentioned that the police of the border districts would soon be equipped with anti-drone technology to put a complete stop to cross-border drug smuggling.
