Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has declared the state’s ongoing war against drugs “one hundred per cent successful” in curbing substance abuse, urging everyone to accept the truth without hesitation.
Speaking after visiting the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, he expressed confidence that the menace would be effectively controlled soon.
In Hindi, he said, “Jo sach hai usko sweekar karna chahiye. The results of this campaign will be visible in the next six months.”
His remarks followed a march in Abohar and a visit to Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, where he paid obeisance and met Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanula.
The Aam Aadmi Party government launched a state-wide anti-drug drive on March 1, 2025.
Kataria’s comments come amid controversy over his earlier march alongside SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and several BJP leaders, which drew criticism from AAP.
The party had urged the Governor to remain cautious, blaming the previous SAD-BJP regime for the unprecedented rise in drug abuse in Punjab.
Addressing the ongoing campaign and police operations, the Governor said, “From March to the end of last year, under the first phase of the campaign, around 31,000 FIRs were registered, and nearly 41,000 persons involved in drug trafficking were arrested.”
He highlighted collective responsibility, saying, “The government alone cannot tackle this menace; they require cooperation from people, civil societies and other stakeholders.”
“Nearly 2,000 kg of heroin was seized by police teams; a major portion of this quantity is being smuggled through drones from Pakistan,” he added.
“Both the Centre and the state government are working together to strengthen anti-drone mechanisms,” Kataria said.
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