MOHALI: A massive candlelight protest march was organised under the leadership of senior Congress leader and former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, from Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Phase 8, Mohali, to Phase 7. PPCC president Pargat Singh led the march.
The march was held to pay tribute to the late Parvinder Singh Jhota, the late Gulzar Singh and other departed souls who lost their lives due to the drug menace, while raising a strong voice for a drug-free Punjab. As part of the protest, brooms were also scattered to express resentment against the state government. Former Faridkot MLA Kuldeep Singh Kiki Dhillon participated in the protest.
On the occasion, participants lit candles and paid tribute to the departed souls, conveying a message of unity and collective struggle to eradicate drugs from Punjab.
Pargat Singh criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government, stating that the drug menace continues to destroy families across Punjab, while the government's claims of eliminating drugs are proving hollow in the face of ground realities.
He said that the memories of the late Parvinder Singh Jhota, the late Gulzar Singh and other departed individuals who raised their voices against drugs should not be limited to tributes alone. Instead, their memories should serve as a reminder of the government's responsibility and accountability. He said that the government, which came to power on the promise of eliminating drugs, must explain to the people of Punjab what concrete steps it has taken to stop the supply of drugs and save the lives of young people.
He further stated that the people of Punjab, particularly parents and young people, should not have to bear the consequences of the government's failures. It is time to move beyond statements and publicity and take strict action against drug traffickers, fix accountability and implement concrete measures to protect Punjab's youth.
Addressing the gathering, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu said that the fight against drugs is not the struggle of any one individual, political party or organisation; rather, it is a collective battle for the entire state of Punjab. He emphasised the need for the government, administration, social organisations and the general public to work together. Strict action must be taken against drug traffickers and those involved in the illegal trade. At the same time, young people struggling with addiction must be provided with proper treatment, counselling and rehabilitation facilities so that they can be reintegrated into the mainstream of society.
He further said that merely raising slogans or launching campaigns against drugs would not solve the problem. What is needed is continuous and effective action at the grassroots level. Parents across Punjab are deeply concerned about their children's future, and protecting young people from drugs is one of the most pressing needs of the hour. He stressed that guiding the youth in the right direction through sports, education, employment opportunities and a healthy social environment is essential.
Through the candle march, a message was conveyed to society that raising one's voice against drugs and standing in solidarity with families affected by the drug menace is a shared responsibility. While paying tribute to the departed souls, people were urged to come forward and contribute towards building a drug-free Punjab. S. Balbir Singh Sidhu said that the struggle against drugs must continue relentlessly to protect Punjab's youth and restore happiness and prosperity to every household.
Among those present on the occasion were Punjab Congress President S. Pargat Singh, former MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, former Mayor S. Amarjeet Singh Jeeti Sidhu, former Chairman of Market Committee Kharar S. Harkesh Chand Sharma Machhli Kalan, former Deputy Mayor S. Amrik Singh Somal, MC Anuradha Anand, Kamalpreet Singh Bunny, Rupinder Reena, Devinder Kaur Walia, Pardeep Tangori, Happy Malik, Jaspreet Gill, Gurdeep Singh Dhillon, Manjeet Singh Gill and Shammi Jagatpura, along with several other prominent personalities.