Chandigarh, March 20 : Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the ongoing, large-scale campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership to Eradicating drug abuse from the state. Speaking on the issue, Cheema applauded the efforts of Punjab Police in arresting major drug traffickers, dismantling their operations, and taking stringent actions, including demolishing properties linked to drug dealers. Cheema Calls for Focused Farmer Protests Against Central Govt

Cheema Stresses Jobs as Key to Fighting Drug Crisis

Cheema remarked, “The war on drugs is not just about catching drug traffickers.We must also focus on guiding our youth, who are ensnared by addiction, in a positive direction. Employment is the most effective way to steer them away from drugs. When our young people have access to stable jobs and bright futures, they will not turn to drugs. That is the long-term solution to this problem.” The Minister pointed out that creating employment opportunities requires robust industrial growth in Punjab. He expressed concern over the adverse impact of prolonged road closures at key borders such as Shambhu and Khanauri, due to protests against the central government’s policies. “These highways are Punjab’s lifelines for trade and industry, connecting the state to the rest of the country. The closures, lasting over a year, have severely impacted Punjab’s economy and hindered industrial development,” he said.

 Eradicating Drug Abuse  : Cheema Urges Farmers to Protest against Central Govt , Not Disrupt Punjab

Cheema appealed to farmers and protestors to focus their demonstrations against the central government, rather than disrupting Punjab’s infrastructure. The Aam Aadmi Party fully supports farmers and has consistently stood by them.During the recent Vidhan Sabha session, we passed a resolution opposing the anti-farmer policies of the BJP-led central government. However, we request our farmer brothers not to block highways, as it harms Punjab’s trade and industry,” he added. The Minister drew attention to Punjab’s declining economic status. “This is a direct result of industrial projects moving away from the state. He stated that our government will reverse this trend by bringing in industries, creating jobs, and strengthening Punjab’s economy. Cheema criticized previous governments. These include the Congress and the Akali Dal-BJP alliance. He noted their failure to address farmers’ concerns. They also failed to manage crises like pest attacks on crops. Unlike them, the Aam Aadmi Party government is actively finding solutions.