Punjab: The two-day Jalandhar leg of ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’ concluded at Jang-e-Azadi Smarak in Kartarpur today. Gulab Chand Kataria urged people to make the campaign against drugs a mass movement in Punjab. He said a Sarvadharma Sammelan would be organised by him next month to find a solution to the drug problem. He said the central government was doing a lot to tackle the drug problem in the state. However, given the 533-km long international border, the movement could succeed only if people cooperated in it. The five-day campaign began on December 7 from Chauni village in Hoshiarpur. The governor led the walk during the two-day Jalandhar leg. He was accompanied by 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh and social activist Khushwant Singh. Speaking to the media at the Jang-e-Azadi Smarak, the Governor said, “Mothers and sisters can play a key role in ensuring success against the problem of drug abuse. They feel the most pain and suffering when they see their children in this condition.
Only public awareness can bring freedom from such evils. “Next month I will gather all the dera heads of the region and seek their suggestions on how to eradicate the problem of drug abuse. This initiative will be continued through other means as well. I agree that efforts need to be made across party lines to take action against drug abuse. In the coming times, I plan to involve everyone in the discussions. This movement is not of any one party,” he said. “Every day I get reports of drugs being dropped through drones, especially in the border areas. Earlier we had only 12 anti-drone systems. I recently spoke to the Home Minister, who has approved 31 more anti-drone systems. Our international border is 533 km. Unless the public is involved, the movement cannot succeed.” He said, “The Centre is doing a lot and they have funds too. There are plans to hold a big event in Amritsar to give a big message against drugs.” On the rampant sale of drugs in cities, he said, “The large number of drugs being sold is affecting the students. The state government should use law enforcement powers and take strict action.”
