Youths, former addicts pledge support for anti-drug campaign

In a strong show of solidarity, youths, including students from various educational institutions in Malwa, have vowed to act as ambassadors for Yudh Nashian Virudh, an ongoing campaign launched by the Punjab Police to combat drug abuse.

Among them were individuals who had once fallen prey to addiction but have since turned their lives around. On Wednesday, they urged others to join hands with the administration in fighting the drug menace, which has claimed thousands of lives across the state.

An oath was taken, along with police personnel who participated in a district level cyclothon held to spread awareness about causes and consequences of drug addiction. SSP Malerkotla Gagan Ajit Singh flagged off the rally from Dr Zakir Hussain Stadium on Wednesday and Deputy Commissioner Viraj S Tidke was the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, DC Tidke, SSP Singh, and SP (H) Swaranjit Kaur lauded the overwhelming response from residents of Ahmedgarh and Amargarh subdivisions. They emphasised the importance of collective efforts to eradicate drug abuse under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.

Leading the police contingent in the cycle rally were DSP Ranjit Singh Bains, DSP (H) Manavjit Singh, DSP Rajan Sharma, DSP Davinder Singh Sandhu, and DSP Kuldeep Singh.

“It is an encouraging observation for all stakeholders that a group of victims of drug addiction had joined the participants in taking oath to support the fight against the drugs,” said the SSP.

DC Tidke further directed SDMs Harbans Singh and Surinder Kaur to engage social, religious and educational organisations in spreading awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse.