Hoshiarpur (Punjab), February 24 Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria alleged on Tuesday that certain foreign forces were helping Pakistan to smuggle drugs and weapons into Punjab across the border via drones, in order to destabilize the state and harm the youth.
Speaking to the media here, Kataria claimed that Pakistan alone did not have the capacity to continuously push large consignments of drugs and arms across the border, suggesting the possible involvement of larger foreign forces.
He said that drones were being used to smuggle narcotics and weapons to disturb peace in the state.
"Our security forces are intercepting and destroying such consignments. Measures to prevent the use of drones and other strict measures are being strengthened," he said.
Kataria led the "People's Walk Against Drugs" from DAV College of Education in Hoshiarpur on Tuesday, and said that Punjab could only be made drug-free if the campaign against narcotics turned into a mass movement.
The procession passed through city markets and ended at the college premises. Vice-chancellors, heads of institutions, NGOs, religious and social organizations, students, and citizens participated in large numbers and pledged their support for a drug-free Punjab.
Students presented cultural programs and street plays highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Kataria said that the anti-drug campaign was not political but a people's movement.
He emphasized that educational institutions must be made drug-free as a priority, as the future of the state depended on its youth.
Referring to the Punjab government's campaign titled 'War Against Drugs', he said that its success required collective efforts by educational institutions, religious and social bodies, panchayats, and citizens.
Regarding the recent deaths of two police personnel at a checkpoint in the Gurdaspur district, the governor said that the matter was under investigation, and it would be premature to draw conclusions, although drug trafficking could not be ruled out.
He also met members of village defence committees in Hoshiarpur and asked them to strengthen vigilance at the village level.
He urged people to inform the police about any suspicious activities, assuring them of confidentiality.
Senior officials of the district administration and police were also present.
