"War Against Drugs"

Drug traffickers will be behind the bars or have to leave Punjab, says Health Minister Balbir Singh

* Says, Mobile Mohalla Clinics will be started soon across the state

- War on Drugs to play a decisive role in making the state drug-free

- Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh takes stock of arrangements at Government Rehabilitation Centre in Moga

Chandigarh/Moga, March 6:Making a strong stance against the drugs, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh gave a loud and clear message, "Drug traffickers will be behind the bars or have to leave the Punjab."

He was talking to the media after holding a meeting with all the officials and the managers of the government/private drug de-addiction centres in the district at the Government Rehabilitation Centre located in village Janer.

He said that all the guarantees, which were given to the people of Punjab before the Aam Aadmi Party came to power, are being fulfilled. Now the Punjab government has devised an action plan to make the state drug-free. Drug users will be treated with empathy to bring them back to mainstream of society.

He said that the "War Against Drugs" campaign, launched by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make the state drug-free, will play a decisive role in making Punjab drug-free and people from every section of the society should cooperate for the eradication of drugs. He said that we have to save the youth of the state and those who take the youth of Punjab on the wrong path will not be spared under any circumstances.

He said that the state government is maintaining a compassionate attitude towards drug users and treating them as a patient.

First of all, we will put those who take the vaccine on pills so that deaths due to overdose should stop, secondly, we will also get them rid of their pills by connecting them with sports and provide them with job opportunities.

The Punjab government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to tackling the drug problem. LChief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over job letters to 763 candidates yesterday only. The government also plans to provide vocational training to those who have overcome drug addiction, helping them find employment and become self-sufficient. Additionally, they will create a narcotic support group that will work with drug de-addiction centres, and they will seek the help of Punjabis, NRIs, NGOs, and religious institutions, offering financial assistance to those involved in these efforts.

He said that first of all, the problem of Chitta has to be eradicated from the roots. This war on drugs campaign of the Punjab government is getting a huge response from the people. People are giving their blessings to the government that the government is making all-out efforts to get their sons, brothers etc. out of the swamp of drugs. This problem of drugs can be solved by the people of the state unitedly.

The Health Minister appealed to the women of the state that if any member of a family is trapped in the swamp of drugs, then they should be brought to the government drug de-addiction centre to save their lives.

He said that unlike the previous governments, now no politician has any hand in drugs and the police is also fighting without political pressure. There is no sympathy whatsoever is involved in the drug smuggling. If he has built any property through this business, then it will be demolished by the government as per the government law.

When asked about the health revolution, he said that the government will soon launch mobile Mohalla clinic vans across the state, in which more than 40 health tests and about 125 medicines will be available. 71 vans will be pushed into service in the next two to four months. The Punjab government is opening 200 more health centres.

These Mohalla clinic vans will go from village to village and provide medicines. Every day, two villages will be covered by vans. One van will go to the village on the specified day and time and will distribute all the medicines free of cost.

He said that the Punjab government has now made all the medicines available in hospitals only, if this does not happen in any health institution, then the Civil Surgeon or SMO will be held responsible. No doctor will send the patient to get medicine from outside the hospitals. Around 6 such centers will be set up in Punjab where knee replacement facility will be provided to the patients. A Center of Excellence for Dialysis has also been set up in Ludhiana in which 25 machines have been installed, one such centre is also being set up in Rajindra Hospital. This is all hub and scope model.

On this occasion, the Health Minister issued strict instructions to the managers of private drug de-addiction centres and said that your centres are running for drug detoxification and your job is not only to sellIng pills. He said that while he himself will keep a close eye on the functioning of these centres, these centres will also be checked from time to time. He said that if the case of sale of narcotic pills outside any private drug de-addiction centre comes to his notice, strict action will be taken against the managers of the concerned centre. He also obtained information about psychiatrists from the managers of private drug de-addiction centres.

On this occasion, Moga MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Sagar Setia, SSP Mr. Ajay Gandhi, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Moga Mr. Baljit Singh Channi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Jagwinderjit Singh Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mrs. Charumita, SDM Dharamkot Sh Himanshu Gupta, District Psychiatrist Dr. Charanpreet Singh Brar, Moga Market Committee Chairman Sr Harjinder Singh Rode and other officials were also present.

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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS ILLEGAL ARMS SMUGGLING MODULE OPERATED BY GANGSTER PAVITTAR CHAURRA; TWO HELD WITH FOUR PISTOLS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— PROBE REVEALS THAT GANGSTER PAVITTAR CHAURRA ARRANGED WEAPON CONSIGNMENT TO FURTHER SUPPLY IN PUNJAB, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— BOTH ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS HAVE A CRIMINAL HISTORY: AIG CI SUKHMINDER MANN

CHANDIGARH/PATHANKOT, March 6:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence Pathankot has busted an illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of its two members and recovered four pistols along with ammunition, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

Those arrested have been identified as Kanwalpreet Singh alias Kanwar, a resident of village Buttar Kalan in Batala and Ranjit Singh, a resident of Bhaini Bangar in Gurdaspur. The recovered weapons include One 9MM Glock Pistol, one .30 bore pistol and two .32 bore pistols along with four magazines and 39 cartridges.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that accused Kanwalpreet was in contact with USA-based Gangster Pavittar Singh Chaurra, a native of village Chaurra in Batala, and was acting at his behest. Probe has also revealed that Gangster Pavittar Chaurra has arranged this weapon consignment to further supply to the criminal elements to disturb the hard-earned peace and harmony of the border state, he added.

The DGP said that further investigations are being conducted to establish backward and forward linkages to unearth this entire network. Efforts are also being made to discover the other previous crimes committed by the accused, he added.

Sharing more details, AIG CI Pathankot Sukhminder Singh Mann said that following reliable intel-inputs that the two operatives of Gangster Pavittar Chaurra has retrieved a weapon consignment, Police teams from CI Pathankot launched an intelligence-led operation and arrested both the accused persons from the area of Police district Batala.

He said that both the arrested accused persons have a criminal history with accused Kanwalpreet Singh was arrested in three criminal cases pertaining to murder attempt, criminal trespassing as well as causing hurt. After getting released from Gurdaspur jail on December 10, 2024, accused Kanwalpreet again got involved in criminal activities and a case of firing in which some persons fired gunshots on a house with an intention to kill the owner was lodged against him, he added.

The AIG said that similarly, accused Ranjit Singh is also involved in a case under Arms Act registered at Police Station Ghaniye Ke Bangar in Police District Batala.

A case FIR No. 12 dated 05.03.2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: AMAN ARORA DEVICES ROADMAP TO MAKE JALANDHAR DRUG-FREE DISTRICT

•Go onslaught against drug traffickers and cut supply chain at street level, Aman Arora orders Police

•Also directs to make strenuous efforts to rehabilitate drug affected youth

•Punjab Govt to implement cutting-edge anti-drone technology to counter cross border drugs & arms smuggling

•Cabinet Ministers reviews measures taken to eliminate drug menace in district

Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, March 6:With an aim to make the Jalandhar a drug-free district, Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora, on Thursday, has devised a foolproof roadmap under the Punjab Government’s anti-drug drive ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’. He ordered the district Police to go onslaught against the drug-traffickers and anyone found indulged in drugs should not be spared, regardless his position and political affiliation.

Mr. Aman Arora, a member of 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee formed to combat the drug menace, reviewed the steps and actions taken by Jalandhar district civil and police authorities to completely eliminate the drugs from the district.

Mr Aman Arora, along with Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, MLAs Raman Arora, Balkar Singh and Inderjit Kaur Mann, meticulously examined the actions taken against the drug peddling. Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar Ms. Dhanpreet Kaur apprised Mr. Arora that the Jalandhar Police had made significant drug recoveries and arrests in the past year. The Commissionerate Police registered 207 cases and arrested 431 individuals, while the Jalandhar Rural Police arrested 589 offenders along with massive recoveries and registered 372 cases.

While asking the police to dismantle the street-level drug supply chains, Mr. Aman Arora emphasized a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the drug menace. He stressed the importance of coordinated & collective efforts across all departments to create a foolproof mechanism against drug menace.

He also directed the district authorities to focus on habitual offenders, while further strengthening search operations in drug hotspots, and identify and seize the properties of drug traffickers. He reiterated that police have been given a free hand to act against drug networks, ensuring no offender is spared.

In addition to strict law enforcement, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the importance of rehabilitating drug-affected youth. He directed the health department to ramp up facilities at de-addiction centers to accommodate more patients in view of ongoing war against drugs. He noted that Jalandhar currently has 25 OOAT clinics with 19,753 registered patients, and efforts are being made to further improve infrastructure and treatment facilities.

Mr. Aman Arora said that the state government has made a comprehensive 360-degree action plan to make the state drug-free completely, while directing the civil administration to help drug affected persons by offering different skill development courses so that they can return to mainstream life. He said that drug users should be treated with empathy and compassion and asked the Anganwadi and ASHA workers to identify drug-affected persons at the grassroots level to facilitate proper medical care.

Calling for inclusive and collective efforts to form a united front against drugs, Mr. Aman Arora urged citizens from all walks of life to join the fight against drugs. He encouraged people to report drug dealers to police, ensuring swift and strict action. Addressing the media, he emphasized that ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ is a war against drugs, requiring collective efforts from political parties, NGOs, and the public to restore Punjab’s pristine glory.

He also warned the drug traffickers, “Either quit drug trafficking or leave Punjab, as the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is determined to eliminate drugs from the state.”

Punjab is mulling to procure cutting-edge anti-drone technology to curb cross-border drug and arm smuggling, Mr. Aman Arora said, while reaffirming the state government's commitment to ending the menace.

Mayor Vineet Dhir, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Chairman District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh, Chairperson Improvement Trust Jalandhar Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Senior AAP Leaders Pawan Kumar Tinu, Dinesh Dhall, Jeet Lal Bhatti, Principal Prem Kumar, Stephen Kaler, and senior officials of various departments were also present in the meeting.

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MEGA ACTION UNDER YUDH NASHE VIRUDH : BULLDOZER ACTION IN KHANNA AND AMRITSAR

Punjab Government Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Peddlers, Demolishes Illegal Properties acquired from drug money

Chandigarh, March 6-Giving final blow to the drug traffickers under Yudh Nashian Virudh Campain, the Punjab government today demolished several illegal properties across the state, reaffirming its commitment to making Punjab a drug-free state.

In such a major operation today, the Amritsar Corporation, with the support of the Punjab Police, demolished two-storied houses and shops constructed by drug traffickers using JCB machines. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar oversaw the operation, sending a strong message against drug trafficking. The demolished properties belonged to two notorious drug traffickers, Gurmeet Singh and Sandeep Singh alias Sonu. Three cases have been registered against Gurmeet Singh, with 325 grams of smack and 350 grams of heroin recovered. Sandeep Singh has four cases registered against him, including three at Sarai Amanat Khan and cases of Anti-Narcotics Force Mohali.

In a separate operation, continuing its crackdown on illegal properties owned by drug peddlers, the Khanna Police, in collaboration with Municipal Council authorities, demolished six structures in the local meat market. These properties were built by illegally encroaching on Municipal Council land and allegedly financed with drug money. The demolition was carried out smoothly, with sufficient police personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent disturbances.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jyoti Yadav led the operation and disclosed that the demolition followed reports from the Municipal Council about illegal encroachments by six drug peddlers. SSP Yadav highlighted that two brothers, Aslam and Sunil, known as major drug peddlers in the area, are already facing five drug-related cases. Sunil Baba is currently in judicial custody, while Aslam is absconding. Other notorious smugglers, including Shindi, Mohendro, Pappu, and Gulshan, also face cases related to drug trafficking and illegal liquor trade. Their illegal properties have been razed, and police teams are working round the clock to apprehend the absconding peddlers. Additionally, the Khanna police had frozen three properties belonging to drug peddlers in the Payal sub-division on Wednesday, SSP added.

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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.

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’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 6, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 501 SITES; 75 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD

— OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 53 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 8.2KG HEROIN, 4.5KG OPIUM, ₹1.04L DRUG MONEY

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 108 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 635 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 6:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the sixth day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 501 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 75 drug smugglers after registration of 53 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 622 in just six days.

The raids have resulted in recovery of 8.2 kg heroin, 4.5 kg opium, 1294 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.04 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1700 police personnel, under the supervision of 108 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 635 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced nine persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 172 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

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Government assure Resolution of Sewer Men and Sanitation Workers’ Legitimate Issues: Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh Holds meeting with Representatives of Sanitation Workers and Sewer Men Union

Chandigarh, March 6:Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, in the presence of Director of Local Government Department Gurpreet Singh Khaira, held a meeting with representatives of the Sanitation Workers and Sewer Men Union at the Municipal Bhawan today. The minister attentively listened to their concerns and assured them that all legitimate demands would be addressed.

Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is committed to the welfare of all sections of society, including sanitation workers and sewer men.

The meeting took place in a cordial and positive atmosphere. The minister appreciated the efforts of sanitation workers and sewer men, calling them the backbone of the department. He reiterated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of making Punjab’s cities garbage-free and praised the contribution of sanitation workers and sewer men towards achieving this goal.

During the meeting, the union representatives raised several demands, including regular recruitment of sanitation workers and sewer men from within their community, Payment of due wages for work done on government holidays, Exemption of ₹200 service tax deduction from sanitation workers’ salaries, Timely disbursement of pending arrears under the pay commission, Implementation of the old pension scheme for employees recruited after 2004, Increase in uniform allowances for sewer men and sanitation workers, Government support for insurance premium payments for Group D employees, Promotions for deserving employees and many more.

The minister assured that many of these demands, which can be resolved at the committee, corporation, or departmental level, would be addressed promptly. He also stated that necessary actions would be taken to resolve issues requiring intervention from the state government or other departments.

Senior officials from the department, along with commissioners from Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Mansa, and leaders of the union, were also present at the meeting.

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"War Against Drugs" campaign to safeguard Punjab and its youth: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Instructs civil and police administration to ensure public participation in the campaign

Urges sarpanches and panchayats to pass resolutions against providing bail to drug traffickers

Says, border district police to be equipped with anti-drone technology

Directs Police officials to take immediate legal action against drug traffickers and confiscate properties acquired through drug trade

Cabinet Minister visits "War Room" of district administration set up under "War Against Drugs" campaign

Chandigarh, March 6:Punjab Transport and Jail Minister and member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on "War Against Drugs", S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Thursday, said that the "War Against Drugs" campaign waged by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is aimed at safeguarding the Punjab and its youth.

Chairing the marathon meeting in Distt. Ferozepur, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the police and civil administration of the district to ensure active public participation in the "War Against Drugs" campaign. While reviewing the de-addiction activities and issuing guidelines to further improve these initiatives, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar urged village sarpanches and panchayats to pass resolutions in gram sabhas against providing bail to drug traffickers, saying that drug traffickers should be socially boycotted and numberdars and sarpanches should not testify their bail proceedings. "The drug menace can only be eliminated through strict measures, public cooperation and coordination between civil and police administration", the Cabinet Minister categorically added.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar urged district civil and police officials to encourage youth to participate in educational competitions, sports, cultural activities and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles. He also asked to ensure swift legal action against drug traffickers and confiscate all property acquired by them through the drug trade. He instructed district officials to issue weapon licenses to sarpanches for personal protection so they can safeguard themselves from drug traffickers. He declared, "drug traffickers must either leave Punjab or abandon drug trafficking".

During the meeting, MLA Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Advocate Rajnish Dahiya and MLA Fauja Singh Sarari shared their views, while highlighting initiatives being undertaken by the Mann Government across Punjab and stressing the need to build a people's movement against drugs, offering various suggestions.

Earlier, the Cabinet Minister visited the "War Room" set up by the district administration under the "War Against Drugs" campaign and praised the initiative of the district administration.

Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma assured the Cabinet Minister that the entire Ferozepur district team is working with coordination and full dedication for the "War Against Drugs" campaign. Reaffirming her commitment, Mrs. Sharma said, "We will make Ferozepur a drug-free district within the stipulated time-frame." Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner welcomed the chief guest and highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by the district administration.

DIG Mr. Swapan Sharma also shared his views and provided information about activities being conducted by the police in the border district.

SSP Ferozepur Mr. Bhupinder Singh Sidhu informed the Cabinet Minister that during police actions over the past 6 days, 23 FIRs have been registered, 31 arrests made and 7.5 kg heroin, 4070 narcotic pills, 1 drone and 1 pistol have been recovered. He said that proceedings for property confiscation are also underway.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bambah also highlighted the activities being carried out by the district administration under the anti-drug campaign through a PowerPoint presentation.

Addressing media persons after the meeting, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to delivering a final blow to the drug trade in the state, asserting that border district police will soon be equipped with anti-drone technology to completely stop cross-border drug smuggling. S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also honoured youth spreading awareness against drugs in border villages by presenting them with T-shirts bearing anti-drug slogans.

The Cabinet Minister was also apprised that the BSF has launched a pre-recruitment training program to support the district administration's anti-drug campaign and to empower border youth and motivate them to stay away from drugs. This pilot project will also inspire them to stay drug-free and become capable of joining the army and police.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included SDM Zira Gurmeet Singh, SDM Ferozepur/Guruharsahai Divya P, Assistant Commissioner Simarnjeet Singh, District Education Officer (Secondary Education) Munila Arora, Planning Board Chairman S. Chand Singh Gill, chairpersons of all market committees of the district, all DSPs and SHOs along with officials from various departments.

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New Urban Estate to be established, Mundian instructs Development Authorities

Housing and Urban Development Minister reviews departmental Work

Strict Action Against Negligent Officials: Mundian

Chandigarh/Mohali, March 6-Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to ensure planned urban development and providing world-class facilities to the public, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian directed departmental officials to establish new urban estates in various cities of the state.

While reviewing the work of development authorities and the Department of Town and Country Planning at PUDA Bhavan, Mohali, today, Mundian instructed officials to work with full dedication and integrity. He directed them to set up new urban estates not only in major cities but also in smaller towns and to acquire land as needed. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing to people and prevent them from being forced to buy property in unauthorized colonies.

Mundian emphasized that the government’s objective is to provide timely and corruption-free services to the public. He warned that negligence by any official would not be tolerated, urging all officials, from junior to senior levels, to perform their duties responsibly and honestly.

While reviewing properties under the jurisdiction of development authorities, Mundian ordered officials to conduct e-auctions for properties starting next week, enabling people to purchase property for housing or business purposes. He stressed that the auction process must be conducted transparently and impartially. Additionally, he discussed defaulted projects and instructed strict action against defaulters.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed master plans and local planning areas notified by the department for urban development across the state.

Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Vikas Garg directed officials to implement the government’s policy of reducing public inconvenience. He urged them to work towards bringing all remaining offline services online in addition to the current digital services provided by the department.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Apneet Riyat, PUDA CA and Director of Town and Country Planning Neeru Katial Gupta, GAMADA CA Vishesh Sarangal, GLADA CA Sandeep Kumar, PDA-cum-BDA CA Manisha Rana, JDA-cum-ADA CA Nitesh Kumar Jain, and other senior officials from development authorities.

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ABSCONDING BKI OPERATIVE WITH ISI LINKS HELFROM UP; 3 HAND-GRENADES, SOPHISTICATED PISTOL RECOVERED

— UP AND PUNJAB POLICE JOINTLY ARRESTS ACCUSED LAJAR MASIH, WHO ESCAPED FROM JUDICIAL CUSTODY IN SEPT 2024, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE UNDERWAY

CHANDIGARH, March 6:In a well-coordinated joint operation, Uttar Pradesh Police and Punjab Police has arrested an active operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Pakistan’s ISI identified as Lajar Masih, a resident of Village Kurlian in Amritsar, from the Kokhraj police station area, Kaushambi in UP, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

The development came around five months after the accused Lajar Masih escaped from the judicial custody while he was undergoing treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar on the night of September 24, 2024.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused was working under Germany-based BKI operative Swaran Singh alias Jiwan Fauji and was in direct contact with Pakistan’s ISI. As per the information, Swaran Singh alias Jeevan Fauji is a key associate of Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Happy Passian.

He said that a significant cache of arms and explosives, including three hand grenades, two gelatine rods, two detonators, one foreign-made 7.62MM Norinco M-54 Tokarev (USSR) pistol along with 13 cartridges, has been recovered from Lajar Masih.

As per the information, accused was wanted in multiple criminal cases in the state including in a case registered under Explosives Act at Police Station Kambo in Amritsar Rural, in which Lajar has helped Jiwan Fauji in picking-up and dropping the consignments of explosives, weapons and drugs from one place to another. The accused Lajar is also wanted in a case registered at Police Station Jhander in Amritsar in which, on the instructions of his handler Jiwan Fauji, provided weapons and other logistics support for target killing in Kalanaur and Dera Baba Nanak area.

The DGP said that further investigations are underway in this case.

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Punjab Government to make the state drug-free - Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond

- Says, every section of society must cooperate to eradicate drugs

- Private de-addiction centers will also be held accountable

- Gives stern warning to drug smugglers, "either give up the drug business or leave Punjab"

Chandigarh/Malerkotla, March 6 -Before coming to power, our party had made some promises with the people of Punjab, and all those promises are being fulfilled. Now, the Punjab government has taken a pledge to make the state drug-free. If any individual have fallen prey to drugs for any reason will be treated and made a part of the healthy society. These views were expressed by Punjab's Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour Welfare, Industry and Commerce, and Rural Development and Panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while addressing the media after a meeting with officials at the Deputy Commissioner's office at Malerkotla.

He said that the campaign launched by the Punjab government to make the state drug-free will play a decisive role, and every section of society must cooperate to eradicate drugs. He said that private de-addiction centers will also be held accountable, and their administrators will have to report how many drug addicts have been treated. He appealed to the people that if any family member is addicted to drugs, they should be taken to a government de-addiction center, and the government promises to save their lives and give them a chance to lead a healthy life again.

Sond warned drug smugglers, saying, "Either give up the drug business or leave Punjab." He said that we have to save the youth of the state, and those who lead them astray will not be spared under any circumstances. He also directed that awareness boards should be installed outside all public places. Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tidke presented the details of the work being done in the district and assured that the Punjab government's campaign would be made successful in the district.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gagan Ajit Singh said that the district police had attached property worth Rs 13.3 crore of the accused in 18 cases related to drugs in the past few days. On his arrival, District Police gave him Guard of Honour.

On this occasion, MLA Malerkotla Dr. Jamil Ur Rehman, MLA Amargarh Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, Chairman District Planning Board Saqib Ali Raja, Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu, and Navdeep Kaur, both Additional Deputy Commissioners, and other officials were present.

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