Jahan Khela (Hoshiarpur), March 2
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday declared that gangsters, smugglers, and other criminals would find no refuge on Punjab’s sacred soil, as his government intensified its crackdown on illegal activities.
Speaking at the passing out parade of 2,490 new police recruits, Mann said Punjab had produced saints, martyrs, and national heroes, but under previous administrations, it had also become a haven for anti-social elements. “Our government has launched a crusade to root out these elements,” he said, vowing swift action to bring them to justice.
Mann outlined his government’s “zero tolerance” approach to drugs, emphasizing efforts to sever supply chains, arrest peddlers, and confiscate the properties of smugglers. He called on the new recruits to play a pivotal role in the state’s battle against narcotics, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in making Punjab drug-free.
With Punjab’s strategic position as a border state, Mann highlighted the persistent threat from forces aiming to disrupt the state’s peace. He urged the police to adopt modern methods in investigation, science, and technology to counter emerging challenges.
Mann also announced plans to recruit an additional 10,000 police personnel, alongside initiatives like the Sadak Surakhya Force, which has contributed to a 48% reduction in highway casualties since its inception.
He praised the advanced training facilities at the Jahan Khela campus and encouraged the new officers to serve with dedication and integrity, helping the state’s most vulnerable communities.
