Ludhiana, Oct. 20 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday set December 31, 2029, as the deadline to eradicate the drug trade in Punjab, promising strict action against traffickers and justice for three people whose families allege they suffered because they opposed the menace. During a visit to Gurdaspur, Sangrur and Mansa, Shah met the bereaved families and urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer two additional cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after the state government agreed to hand over the murder case of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota to the agency.
Shah later attended Vijayadashami celebrations in Ludhiana, where he burned an effigy representing 'Chitta', a term commonly used for synthetic drugs.
Drawing a parallel with the festival's symbolism, he called for a collective resolve to rid the state of drugs by the end of 2029.
"Recalling the sacrifices made by the families and listening to their pain and questions, I feel that it is our responsibility to ensure justice," Shah said, adding that the government would not spare anyone found guilty, regardless of their position.
He also urged residents to share information with the Narcotics Control Bureau helpline to help authorities act against drug trafficking.
The three cases have become a focal point of the political debate over Punjab's drug problem. Gulzar Singh, a resident of Turbanjara village in Sangrur district, allegedly died by suicide on September 7.
His family claimed he consumed poison after facing harassment and casteist remarks for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about drug supplies in his locality. His son, Shahbaz Singh, said the family had sought a CBI investigation and action against the minister. Shah assured them that justice would be pursued.
In Batala's Mari Panwan village, Shah met the family of Bikramjit Singh, 40, who was killed on October 15.
Villagers alleged he was targeted for opposing drug peddling. Police, however, said the murder stemmed from a dispute between two groups over a mobile phone. A family member said Shah read their memorandum of demands and took it with him.
Shah also visited the family of Jhota, who was shot dead inside a medical store in Mansa on October 13 after questioning its owner over the sale of addictive substances. Police arrested store owner Ashwani Kumar in Rajasthan. Jhota's family said the minister assured them of justice. Punjab BJP leader Sunil Jakhar said CBI officers were expected to meet the family on Wednesday to record statements and gather details.
Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party government, Shah accused it of failing to honour its promise to eliminate drugs within three months of taking office. He described the administration as an "Aapda" (disaster) government and said those speaking against drug trafficking were facing threats or violence.
The BJP also plans to approach a court seeking CBI investigations into the other two cases.
Responding to criticism over drugs entering through Gujarat's ports, Shah said authorities had seized drugs worth Rs 20,000 crore at ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Citing the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, action against terrorism and the elimination of Naxalism, he said the Centre would pursue its anti-drug campaign with similar determination.
Shah said making Punjab drug-free by December 2029 would honour those who had lost their lives in the fight against the menace.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.