New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Tuesday vowed to eliminate the drug trade from Punjab by December 31, 2029, describing the fight against narcotics as a priority for the central government.
Shah made the announcement while participating in the Vijayadashami celebrations in Ludhiana, where he symbolically burned an effigy representing ‘Chitta’, a term commonly used for heroin in Punjab. The event highlighted the need to eradicate drugs and protect young people from addiction.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said Vijayadashami symbolises the victory of good over evil and provides an opportunity for people to overcome greed, pride and other personal weaknesses. He also highlighted Ludhiana’s long tradition of organising Ravana Dahan celebrations.
Shah said he had met families at three locations in Punjab who had lost their sons in the fight against drugs. Describing their suffering as deeply distressing, he urged the Punjab government to transfer investigations into two additional murder cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), noting that one case had already been handed over to the agency.
He assured the families that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice, regardless of their influence or position. Shah also appealed to residents to share information about drug trafficking through the Narcotics Control Bureau’s toll free helpline, promising action against those involved.
During his visit, Shah met the family of Gulzar Singh, a Dalit daily wage worker who died by suicide in Toor Banjara village in Sangrur. His family sought action against those they hold responsible for his death, including Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and members of the police administration.
Gulzar Singh’s sons said Shah listened to their concerns and assured them of strict action. They also alleged that the police had excluded Cheema’s name from the FIR despite their claims that their father had identified him in a video. These allegations remain subject to investigation.
Shah reiterated that the government intended to fulfil its commitments, citing the removal of Article 370 and 35A, efforts against terrorism and the campaign against Naxalism as examples. He said eliminating Punjab’s drug menace would be another major objective.
