CHANDIGARH: The Governor has established around 4,000 village-level defence committees to keep an eye on drug-related activities.
Frequent visits by Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to the border areas have significantly improved coordination between state and central agencies in the fight against the drug menace in Punjab, according to a senior official from the Central Intelligence Agency. The senior official highlighted the governor’s proactive measures amid rising terror activities in the neighbouring Jammu region. Purohit is currently on a three-day tour of Punjab’s border villages from July 23 to 25, marking his sixth visit to these areas.
He has established around 4,000 village-level Defence Committees to monitor drug-related activities and alert the police and BSF. A senior official from the Punjab Raj Bhawan stated that the governor plans to expand these committees across the entire state to rescue youth from both, rural and urban areas from the clutches of drugs. The Governor has also announced cash rewards for individuals who provide information about drones carrying drugs and drug peddlers.
Purohit emphasised the need for village-level defense committees in every district to eliminate drugs across the state. Praising the bravery of the border villagers, the governor noted that their support has always been crucial in defeating the enemy and remains vital in combating drug addiction. He also highlighted the significant contributions of women to the state’s progress and development.
He announced cash prizes for committees or panchayats performing well in six districts along the Indo-Pak border. The first prize will be of Rs 3 lakh, the second prize Rs 2 lakh, and the third prize Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, villages that become drug-free will receive prize money.
From July 23, onwards, r Purohit has been meeting people from Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozpur, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Tarntaran. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal oversaw the arrangements for the governor’s visit, including meetings in border areas and with village defense committees.
During his visit to the border belt in October last year, Purohit sought the cooperation of villagers to act as the “eyes and ears” of security forces. He emphasised that while security forces are doing their part, local input and support are crucial in curbing the influx of contraband and weapons into the state. The Governor reiterated the importance of women’s roles in eliminating drugs from society and their contributions to the state’s progress.
Governor Purohit stated that the effort to form defense committees at the village level in border districts, initiated three years ago, is yielding positive results. He assured that anti-drone technology would be installed along the entire India-Pakistan border within a year to stop the smuggling of drugs and weapons via drones from Pakistan. He called upon the people to collectively combat drug dealers without showing any mercy. He also warned against conspiracies aimed at harming Punjab’s unity and integrity, stressing that Punjabis’ national interest remains paramount.
Chief Secretary of Punjab Government Anurag Verma and DGP Gaurav Yadav echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasising the role of village-level security committees in supporting the police and BSF in controlling drug dealers and anti-national elements. DGP Yadav announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone assisting in capturing drones from across the border and reaffirmed the ongoing support for the anti-drug campaign.