45,000 take oath to fight against drug abuse

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 23

Thousands of volunteers from across the district took a pledge to make each and every locality of the holy city and Punjab free from drugs during a programme held at Guru Nanak stadium in order mark the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev here on Friday. Meanwhile, the Punjab Government observed March 23, the death anniversary of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, as the Youth Empowerment Day.

Drug abuse prevention officer’ (DAPO) programme was also launched on the occasion at Guru Nanak Stadium. Similar events were also held at the Majitha grain market, Darshan Singh Pheruman College in Rayya and Government ITI College, Ajnala.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamaldeep Singh Sangha administered the oath to participants during the programme. Politicians, administration and police officials, besides people from different walks of life took part in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion the DC said around 45,000 volunteers, including youth and former government employees, had registered themselves for the DAPO programme. After proper verification by the police, these officers would be trained by the administration on how to spread awareness against drug abuse, he said.

“Now, the people cannot turn a blind eye to the menace, which is making our society hollow. It is going to hurt everyone in the future if we do not take drastic measures to eradicate the problem. Everybody needs to contribute in this noble cause,” he added.

“It is encouraging to see a large number of volunteers come forward in this fight against drugs. The holy city will definitely make a mark in this drive and play a vital role in eradicating the menace from our society,” he said.

The SSP, Amritsar, (Rural), Parampal Singh, said, “The people are feeling encouraged. They are coming forward by themselves to help the Police Department in this cause. Amritsar has topped in the state as far as registration of volunteers is concerned.”

“The Police Department and the administration has worked hard and motivated the people to be a part of this state-wide campaign. After verification, volunteers will be issued DAPO identity cards,” he added.

They would be given special training for educating the masses about ill effects of the drug menace in society and help in de-addicting victims to come out of this scourge, said the SSP.

A play on drug abuse was also staged on the occasion. Among those, who were present during the programme, include Police Commissioner SS Srivastav, DIG AK Mittal, Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu, MLAs Sunil Datti, Sukhwinder Singh Danny, Tarsem Singh DC and former Punjab minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla.