DW BUREAU / Jalandhar

Accelerating the anti-drug campaign in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday administered oath to hundreds of Village Defence committees so that they can wipe out drug from their respective areas adding that Punjab will be made drug free state by May 31.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by state AAP President Aman Arora and LOk SABHA MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, said that this is a decisive step aimed at making the state free from scourge of drugs. He said as Army chalks out plan before winning the war in the same manner state government has formulated the plan to wipe out drugs from state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the war has been declared and will be won shortly with the active support and cooperation of people.

The Chief Minister said that along with the eradication of drug menace the state government is very serious over the rehabilitation of the drug victims. He said that as a part of this only the capacity of the rehabilitation and drug de-addiction centres has been enhanced by 5000 beds. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from detoxification of the drug victims these centres will enable them to live a life of dignity and pride by making them self reliant.

The Chief Minister said drug traffickers are enemies of society who have pushed the youth into the abyss for the sake of their own luxurious lives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these smugglers, who live in lavish homes while others suffer, do not deserve forgiveness. He said that all necessary permissions are being obtained to take action against the top-level traffickers, and they will be held accountable for the pain they caused ? to widowed women, mothers who lost sons, and sisters longing to tie a rakhi.

The Chief Minister clearly stated that no political leader or any other individual involved in drug trafficking?no matter how influential or powerful?will be spared under any circumstances. Referring to the success of the bulldozer action against drug traffickers, he stated that, for the first time, traffickers in villages are approaching Panchayats to repent and promise not to sell drugs again. Citing an example from a village in Bathinda district, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that when a JCB bulldozer demolished a drug dealer's house, a woman who had lost her son to drugs distributed sweets and showered flowers on the police ? a gesture that reflects the success of the anti-drug mission.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister urged Village and Ward Security Committees to Act as Guardians in Drug-Free Punjab Campaign. He called upon members of Village and Ward Security Committees to take on the role of vigilant guardians, asserting that with their support, Punjab can be freed from drugs and restored to its former vibrant glory. Referring to the government's three-pronged strategy to combat drugs, Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that the plan includes strict action against drug traffickers, free treatment for addicts, and skill-based rehabilitation to help affected individuals rejoin society with dignity and respect.

Administering an oath to these guardians, the Chief Minister urged them to pledge that no form of drug will be allowed to be sold in their villages or wards. He further called on them to commit to taking addicts to rehabilitation centers and to oppose bail for drug traffickers, either for themselves or on behalf of others. Thanking the panchayats for their overwhelming support of the campaign, Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that more than 200 panchayats have passed anti-drug resolutions daily.

The Chief Minister promised that drug-free panchayats would be given special grants to develop as model villages, serving as an inspiration for others. He also praised the significant contributions of women in making this campaign a huge success. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Curse of drugs can be wiped out only with the active support and cooperation of every section of the society.

Condemning the central government's attempts to deprive Punjab of its water resources, the Chief Minister asserted that his government has fiercely defended the state's rights, preventing a single drop of water from being diverted to any other state. He said that Unlike previous governments that silently handed over surplus water to neighboring states, his government has taken a firm stand, as water is vital to Punjab's survival. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the government has revived long-defunct canals, water courses and distributaries, which has significantly increased canal water supply for agriculture.

Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister pledged that he would not shy away from any sacrifice necessary to protect Punjab's interests. He said that every action of his government is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the state and no stone will be left unturned for that. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government accords paramount importance to the rights of the people and they will not be compromised at any cost.

(editor@dailyworld.in)