Hoshiarpur (Punjab), February 23 Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria led a foot march in Mukerian on Monday as part of the state government's "war against drugs" campaign, and called for turning the fight against narcotics into a mass movement.
The march began from the tehsil complex in Mukerian and ended at Dasmesh Girls College in Chak Alla Bakhsh village after covering approximately three kilometers.
The march, which had previously been held in border districts, has now been extended to the interior parts of the state.
Organized under the theme "Mothers Against Drugs," the event saw participation from political leaders, civil and police officials, social and religious organizations, students, traders, NGOs, and local residents.
A National Cadet Corps (NCC) band led the march, and balloons were released along with a ceremonial torch lit to symbolize the resolve against drug abuse.
Students and volunteers formed a human chain to raise awareness.
Addressing the gathering, Kataria said that drug addiction was destroying families and weakening society.
Strict action was being taken against drug traffickers, but public support was essential to eliminate this menace, he said.
The governor stated that between March and December 2025, approximately 31,000 FIRs were registered, 42,000 people were arrested, and over 1,900 kg of narcotics were seized.
Assets worth around Rs 300 crore were also attached, he added.
He urged village heads, youth, parents, and teachers to actively prevent drugs from entering their localities and emphasized that only a united effort could make Punjab drug-free.