Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Takes ‘War on Drugs’ Campaign to Villages

Nabha/Patiala: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, spearheading the Punjab government’s Yudh Nashian Virudh (War on Drugs) campaign, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the state drug-free. He asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has put an end to the political patronage of drugs.

Today, accompanied by Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav and SSP Dr. Nanak Singh, Dr. Balbir Singh visited Rohti Basta village near Nabha, engaging directly with residents to gather their feedback on the drug menace. He also cautioned opposition parties against politicizing the issue, urging them to support the government’s efforts, as the fight against drugs is a matter of Punjab’s survival. He reiterated that the Punjab government is resolute in its stance—drug traffickers must either leave the state or abandon their illicit trade.

Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that as per the promise made by Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has broken the backbone of drug peddlers. The government has implemented robust measures to steer youth away from drugs, ensuring their rehabilitation, skill development, and reintegration into society.

He highlighted the overwhelming public support for the recently launched campaign, with citizens themselves coming forward to report drug traffickers. This, he said, is a testament to the people’s faith in the initiative. He further stressed that with political protection of drug networks dismantled, the role of media and public participation is crucial for the campaign’s success.

Calling upon local representatives—including Panches, Sarpanches, and Councilors—Dr. Balbir Singh urged them to show zero tolerance toward drug traffickers. “If animals instinctively protect their offspring, why should we allow our future generations to be destroyed by drugs?” he remarked. He appealed to the public to report any drug-related activity to the nearest police station or the state’s anti-drug helpline (9779500200), assuring them that their identity would be kept confidential.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, addressing the gathering, urged citizens to support the campaign, as grassroots-level information is critical in the fight against drugs. SSP Dr. Nanak Singh emphasized that no war can be won without public participation and encouraged people to come forward without fear to help eradicate the drug menace. He assured that strict action would be taken on every report received, and no drug smuggler would be spared.

The event was also attended by District Planning Committee Chairman Jasvir Singh Jassi Sohia Wala, Forest Divisional Officer Vidya Sagari, ADC (RD) Anuprita Johal, SDM Dr. Ismat Vijay Singh, DSP Mandeep Kaur, and several village representatives, including Sarpanch Gurdhyan Singh, Darshan Singh, Diwan Singh, Ajaib Singh, Gurdeep Singh Mann, Jagdeep Singh Dhangera, Harpal Singh Virk, Amandeep Singh Bhunnar, Gurpreet Singh Pedhani, Harjit Singh Kaidupur, and Gurpreet Singh Kharoud.