Hoshiarpur, March 2: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a strong statement on Sunday, declaring that the state will soon rid itself of gangsters, smugglers, criminals, and other anti-social elements. He emphasized that such elements have no place in Punjab under his administration, which is committed to maintaining peace and security.
Speaking during the passing-out parade of 2,490 newly recruited police officers, Mann outlined the government's determined stance against crime and drug trafficking. He stressed that Punjab, a land rich in history and culture, has unfortunately been plagued by criminals, many of whom have allegedly thrived under the patronage of previous governments.
"Punjab is a land of saints, martyrs, and legendary figures. Unfortunately, criminals took shelter here under previous regimes," Mann remarked. "But the situation is changing. The state government is on a 'crusade' to eliminate these anti-national elements. They will soon be behind bars."
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s significant anti-drug efforts, stating that Punjab is at a pivotal moment in its fight against the drug menace. He reaffirmed his government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, vowing that Punjab would be made completely drug-free with the help and cooperation of the public.
"We are dismantling the drug supply network, arresting drug peddlers, and taking strong actions like confiscating and demolishing the properties of drug smugglers," Mann stated.
On a national scale, Mann noted that there were forces actively plotting to destabilize the peace in Punjab, particularly through attempts to disrupt the state's hard-earned stability. However, he commended the Punjab Police for thwarting such efforts.
Strengthening Punjab's Police Force
Mann underlined the importance of modernizing the police force to meet contemporary challenges. He called for the integration of new technology and enhanced investigation techniques in policing.
Congratulating the 2,490 newly inducted officers, Mann emphasized the responsibility they now carry as part of the Punjab Police family. He urged them to approach their work with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to the state’s progress and prosperity.
"Punjab is at the forefront of the nation's battle against drugs, and our police force has always been the first line of defense. The time has come for you to continue this legacy and contribute to eradicating this menace," Mann added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that over 10,000 young recruits had been inducted into the police force since 2022, with another 10,000 to be recruited soon, subject to Cabinet clearance.
Road Safety Initiatives
In addition to crime and drug prevention, Mann discussed the state's initiatives to enhance road safety. He announced the formation of a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (Road Safety Force), which has been operational since February last year. The initiative has already led to a remarkable 48.10% reduction in road accident casualties.
Deployed across 4,200 kilometers of accident-prone highways, the force serves not only as a deterrent to traffic violations but also ensures regular patrolling to maintain road safety. Mann revealed that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had praised the initiative in Parliament, acknowledging its success.
With a clear vision for a safer and drug-free Punjab, Chief Minister Mann’s speech resonated with both the newly enlisted officers and the public, reinforcing the state government's commitment to combating crime and fostering a secure environment for all citizens.
Key Highlights:
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vows to eliminate gangsters, smugglers, and criminals from Punjab.
- Punjab adopts a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, aiming for a drug-free state.
- Over 10,000 new police recruits have joined since 2022, with plans for an additional 10,000.
- The Sadak Surakhya Force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48.10%.
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