PUNJAB NEWS : Arvind Kejriwal Urges Youth to Join the Fight Against Drugs for a Drug-Free Punjab
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on the youth to actively support the ongoing fight against drugs, emphasizing that the battle must continue until Punjab is completely drug-free.
Speaking before flagging off an awareness march against drug abuse, Kejriwal highlighted the crucial role of young people in eradicating this menace. He warned that if left unchecked, drug addiction would escalate into a grave crisis, causing irreversible harm to the state and its future generations. He urged the youth to reject drugs outright, stressing that substance abuse not only ruins individual lives but also devastates families.
Kejriwal further alleged that previous governments in Punjab had shielded and even facilitated drug cartels, with senior political leaders complicit in the crisis. He accused these leaders of fueling the drug trade for financial gain, resulting in the destruction of countless lives. He asserted that both the people and divine justice would hold such politicians accountable for their actions.
Commending the state government’s recent efforts, Kejriwal stated that significant action had been taken over the past 30 days, including demolishing opulent properties built with drug money. He reaffirmed that no drug trafficker would be spared, vowing that strict legal measures would be enforced to dismantle their networks. He also lauded security agencies for their relentless crackdown on drug peddlers and supply chains.
To set an example, the state government has begun seizing and demolishing the properties of drug traffickers, ensuring that those involved in this heinous crime face severe consequences. Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and has launched an aggressive campaign to combat the issue. He urged young people to report any friend or family member struggling with addiction, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Highlighting the need to protect future generations, Kejriwal encouraged youth to take charge of their communities by monitoring and reporting drug-related activities via the government’s WhatsApp helpline (9779100200). He called upon them to pledge that they would neither consume nor allow the sale of drugs in their areas and would actively support the anti-drug movement.
To aid in rehabilitation, Kejriwal mentioned that the government is running an OutPatient Opioid Assisted Treatment Program (OOAT) for drug de-addiction at the OPD level. Additionally, rehabilitation centers are being set up across the state. To keep young people engaged in positive activities and away from drug abuse, he announced that playgrounds and gyms are being developed in every village.