Punjab Governor Kataria urges mass movement against drugs

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasised the need for a mass movement to combat the drug menace in the state. He made this appeal during the two-day Jalandhar leg of People’s Walk Against Drugs, which concluded at the Jang-E-Azadi memorial in Kartarpur. He was accompanied by 113-year-old runner Fauja Singh and social activist Khushwant Singh among students, activists and residents.

Governor Kataria announced plans to organise an all-religion meet next month to seek solutions to the drug problem. He acknowledged the central government’s efforts to tackle the issue through funding and anti-drone measures.

The Governor stressed that the movement’s success relies on public involvement, given the state’s 533 km border. He also highlighted the role of mothers and sisters in preventing drug abuse, citing their influence on children.

To spread awareness, a 10-day walkathon will be organized under ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’. Additionally, plans are underway for a large event in Amritsar to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.

The five-day People’s Walk Against Drugs started from Chauni village in Hoshiarpur on December 7.