Guv Kataria urges village defence committees to motivate youth to stay away from drugs

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has urged the village defence committees (VDC) to contribute their maximum efforts to motivating the youth to stay away from drugs and inspire them towards sports in their respective villages.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria during his three-day ‘Padyatra’ (foot march) in this border area village was addressing the members of VDC of different villages on Saturday.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in his address said the village defence committees are playing a vital role in intercepting drones used for drug smuggling from across the border and preventing drug abuse in border areas.

While meeting the panches, sarpanches, local dignitaries and members of the village defence committees of border villages, the Governor said these committees are working excellently in collaboration with the central security agencies and state government agencies. He said there is a need to further strengthen them.

Kataria called upon the youth of the state to work closely with the government and security forces to completely eradicate drug menace from the state. He said neighbouring countries are trying to weaken us through covert means, but Pakistan’s malicious intentions will never succeed.

He appreciated Deputy Commissioner Rahul for making efforts towards drug prevention and other welfare activities.

Appreciating the state government, the Governor said the Punjab Government is spending Rs 10 crore on anti-drone technology to prevent drug smuggling from across the border, which is an excellent initiative. The Central Government is also providing anti-drone technology to the BSF in border areas to control drug smuggling via drones from Pakistan. With the help of anti-drone technology and public cooperation, there has been a significant reduction in drug smuggling via drones from across the border.

He appealed to people of the border villages that if someone in their village is suffering from drug addiction, they should ensure proper treatment, and if someone is selling drugs, they should inform the police. He assured that any information provided by the public will be kept completely confidential.

He said while the police are doing their work, the village defence committees in border areas, if more vigilant, can easily identify the enemies of society. The Governor also paid homage to the martyr Abdul Hamid at the Shaheed Abdul Hamid Memorial in Asal Utar village by offering floral tributes.

Deputy Commissioner Rahul welcomed the Governor and expressed confidence that the administration would leave no stone unturned in implementing the Governor’s directives to eliminate drugs and maintain peace and harmony.

Amritsar