Jalandhar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a high-level meeting in Jalandhar on Friday, focusing on the state’s battle against drug abuse, law and order, and public welfare. During an interaction with officials of the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission and gaushala managers, the Chief Minister addressed several pressing issues concerning the state.
Emphasising the need for a collaborative approach, Mann stated that the fight against drugs cannot be the sole responsibility of the police. He urged the public to turn the campaign into a mass movement and instructed officials to treat drug-addicted youth as patients needing rehabilitation and medical care, rather than as criminals.
Taking a stern stance on the recent murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, the Chief Minister termed the incident “highly unfortunate.” He issued a strong warning that neither the perpetrators nor the conspirators behind the crime would be spared. “Ensuring the safety of social activists and those raising their voices against drugs is the supreme priority of our administration,” Mann asserted.
In a significant move to boost police infrastructure, the Chief Minister approved the immediate procurement of new vehicles for all 117 Sub-Divisional Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) across the state. This decision came after Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav raised the issue of a vehicle shortage during the meeting. Mann, after consulting Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, greenlit the proposal, noting that the Punjab Police is rapidly being equipped with modern technology, including anti-drone systems, to tackle cross-border smuggling.
Hitting out at critics, the Chief Minister alleged a deliberate conspiracy to defame Punjab over issues like stubble burning and drug trafficking. He pointed out that while stubble is burnt in neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, only Punjab faces the immediate backlash. Targeting the Central government, Mann highlighted that the Border Security Force (BSF) controls the 50-kilometre border radius, and massive drug hauls often occur at ports under central jurisdiction, such as Kandla in Gujarat. He added that Punjab has funded its own anti-drone systems without any financial assistance from the Centre.
Concluding on a positive note, Mann underscored the role of sports in guiding the state’s youth. He expressed pride in Punjab’s significant contribution to the national hockey and cricket teams and announced that Jalandhar and Mohali are set to host the Asian Champions Hockey Trophy from October 27 to November 5.