Chandigarh [India], May 10 (HBTV): During the Walk for Drug-Free Chandigarh event, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded the efforts of the people of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh in fighting drug addiction, calling their contributions 'commendable'. He also underscored the need for enhanced interstate coordination, highlighting that drug traffickers often shift to neighbouring states when enforcement tightens in one area.

The event was attended by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

Saini stressed the importance of unified efforts between states and enforcement agencies to curb the expanding drug problem.

'The people of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab are doing commendable work in this direction... If the police take action against illegal drug trafficking in any particular state, the drug dealers start moving towards the neighbouring states. This problem can be stopped if various states and enforcement agencies work together in coordination. I believe the Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh administrations need to coordinate better for this... I have full faith that together we will eradicate this addiction from its roots and our beloved Chandigarh will become drug-free,' CM Saini said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also addressed the gathering, describing the event as the beginning of a 'revolution' against drugs in Chandigarh. He urged the youth to avoid idolising singers who glorify drugs and instead look up to national icons.

'Today, I can see a revolution against drugs in Chandigarh... Also, don't make the singers who sing songs promoting drugs your role model. If you want a role model, let it be Milkha Singh or Harmanpreet Singh... People of Punjab are famous for joining the army, for wrestling, for kabaddi, and for bhangra. But our fame has faded... If the stone in a ring gets faded, then the ring's value diminishes. If Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh shine, the whole country will shine,' Mann said.

(ANI)