Turn anti-drug campaign into mass movement: Governor urges people
The two-day Jalandhar leg of the ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’ ended today at Jang-e-Azadi Memorial in Kartarpur.
Gulab Chand Kataria urged the people to turn the campaign against drugs in Punjab into a mass movement.
He said an all-religion meet would be organised by him next month to seek solutions to drug menace.
He added that the Centre was doing a lot to tackle drug menace in the state. However, given the 533 km International Border, the the movement could only become successful if the people pitch in, he said.
The five-day campaign had started from Chauni village in Hoshiarpur on December 7. The two-day Jalandhar leg saw Governor leading the walk on foot. He was accompanied by 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh and social activist Khushwant Singh.
Speaking to the media at Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, the Governor said, “Mothers and sisters can play a pivotal role in ensuring success against drug menace. They undergo the most difficulty and pain, when they see their kids in this condition. Only a jan jagaran (mass movement) can ensure success from such ills.”
He added, “Next month, I will gather all dera heads in the region and seek suggestions on how to end drug menace. This initiative will be continued through other means.
I agree that efforts across party lines are needed to act against drugs. In coming time, I plan to involve everyone in the dialogue. This movement doesn’t belong to a single party.”
He said, “Everyday I receive reports on drugs dropped through drones, especially in border areas. Earlier, we had only 12 anti-drone systems.
I recently talked to Home Minister who has approved 31 more anti-drone systems. Our international boundary is 533 km. As long as public doesn’t get involved, the movement can’t be successful.”
“The Centre is doing a lot and they have funds too. Plans are also afoot to host a huge event in Amritsar to send a big message against drugs,” he stated.
On rampant drug sales in the cities, he said, “The intoxicating tablets being sold in high numbers are affecting the students. The state government should use law enforcement powers and act sternly.”
