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War Against Drugs Will Continue Till Final Eradication: Laljit Singh Bhullar

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“Yudh Nashia Virudh”

 

War Against Drugs Will Continue Till Final Eradication: Laljit Singh Bhullar

 

– Transport Minister Visits Fazilka District

 

– All Departments Directed to Actively Participate in the Campaign with Public Cooperation

 

– Recognition and Rewards for Panchayats Making Significant Efforts

Chandigarh March 6:

          Punjab Transport Minister, Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar, a member of the sub-committee formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, asserted that the Punjab Government is committed to carrying the battle against drugs to its final conclusion. He emphasized that a drug-free and rangla Punjab is a collective responsibility, and with social participation, this goal will be achieved.

          During his visit to Fazilka, the Minister chaired a meeting with officials from various departments and directed them to actively fulfill their respective roles in the anti-drug campaign. He highlighted that properties acquired through drug trafficking are being seized, and any unauthorized constructions are being demolished. He stressed the crucial role of village panchayats and municipal councils in this mission and instructed them to convene Gram Sabha meetings to pass resolutions boycotting drug traffickers. Furthermore, it was suggested that if anyone stands as a guarantor for a drug trafficker’s bail, they too should be boycotted.

          The Minister likened drugs to a wildfire that, if not controlled, can cause widespread damage. He appreciated the contributions from various sections of society in this fight. Additionally, he assured that the identity of individuals providing information about drug traffickers will be kept confidential, and their security will be ensured.

          Interacting with the media, Mr. Bhullar affirmed strict action against medical drug abuse and illegal liquor. Given Fazilka’s strategic location, bordering Rajasthan (79 km) and Pakistan (108 km), the government is also exploring the feasibility of installing anti-drone technology to curb cross-border drug smuggling.

          Recognizing the commendable work of certain villages in the anti-drug campaign, the Minister announced that fully drug-free villages will be rewarded with grants, while stricter measures will be imposed in hotspot areas. Responding to a query, he stated that the Transport Department would issue strict guidelines to prevent drug smuggling through buses and that if a bus driver or conductor is found involved, strict action will be taken against them.

          Upon arrival in the district, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu and SSP Varinder Singh Brar welcomed the Minister and presented a district report.

Key Developments:

  • 57 Cases Registered Under NDPS Act in Two Months: In 2025, the Fazilka district registered 57 cases under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 83 accused individuals. The police seized 6.512 kg of heroin, 254,040 intoxicating pills and capsules, and drug money amounting to over ₹5.4 lakh. The Minister emphasized large-scale operations against offenders, with six key focus areas, including action against smugglers, awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation programs.
  • Safeguarding the Youth: Educational institutions in Fazilka have implemented early-stage preventive activities to protect students from drug abuse. The Minister informed that 35,501 buddy groups have been created, and 3,509 co-curricular activities were organized in the current academic year.
  • Free Treatment for Drug Victims: The district has nine outpatient opioid-assisted treatment (OOAT) clinics, two de-addiction centers, and one rehabilitation center. The Punjab Government considers drug addicts as patients and ensures confidential and free treatment for them.
  • 1,000 New Buses for Punjab: Responding to a question, the Minister revealed that the Transport Department plans to procure 1,000 new buses. The feasibility of introducing bus services from Fazilka to Amritsar and mini-buses for evening retreat ceremonies at Sadiqi Checkpost is also being explored.

Dignitaries Present:

The event was attended by MLAs Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir (Balluana) and Fauja Singh Sarari (Guru Har Sahai), former MLA Arun Narang, DIG (Ferozepur Range) Swapn Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, SSP Varinder Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr. Mandeep Kaur, ADC (Development) Subhash Chander, SDM Kanwarjit Singh Mann, Civil Surgeon Dr. Eric, District Planning Board Chairman Sunil Sachdeva, Market Committee Chairpersons Upkar Singh (Abohar) and Devraj Sharma (Jalalabad), along with officials from various departments.