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Key Points

The NCB and Chandigarh Police's ANTF organized a 'Drug Free India' Walkathon to combat drug addiction among youth. IG Pushpendra Kumar emphasized educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann linked sports development to erasing the state's drug stigma. The event follows similar anti-drug initiatives launched by Punjab and Haryana governments.

Key Points: NCB and ANTF Lead Drug Free India Walkathon in Chandigarh

  • NCB and ANTF launch anti-drug walkathon in Chandigarh
  • Initiative aims to educate youth on drug addiction risks
  • Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann pledges to fight drug stigma through sports
  • Event part of nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign
2 min read

NCB and ANTF organise 'Drug Free India' Walkathon in Chandigarh

NCB and Chandigarh Police's ANTF organize a nationwide 'Drug Free India' Walkathon to combat youth drug addiction and raise awareness.

"Our effort is to tell the youth about the ill effects of drug addiction and motivate them to stay away from drugs. – Pushpendra Kumar, IG Narcotics"

Chandigarh, June 12

The NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) and ANTF (Anti-Narcotics Task Force) of Chandigarh Police organised a 'Drug Free India' Walkathon in Chandigarh on Thursday.

According to IG Narcotics, Pushpendra Kumar, the 'Drug Free India' Walkathon was orgainsed as an anti-drug movement in Chandigarh, and it is taking place in different parts of the country as well.

The main motive of the initiative is to convey to the youth the ill effects of drug addiction and also motivate them to stay away from them, the official said.

"The NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) and ANTF (Anti-Narcotics Task Force) of Chandigarh Police are organising this fortnight as an anti-drugs movement. It is happening in different places across the country. Our effort is to tell the youth about the ill effects of drug addiction and motivate them to stay away from drugs. At the same time, we are also telling the people through a walkathon or other creative activities that drug addiction is a bad thing", Pushpendra Kumar told ANI.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that his government would "wash away the stigma of drugs" from the state through sports.

He was speaking to the media here after flagging off, along with Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, a shipment of rugby balls to London from Jalandhar.

"Today, a shipment of 25,000 rugby balls has been sent to London from here in Jalandhar... The Rugby World Cup has been played with rugby balls made in Jalandhar. The Cricket World Cup has been played with bats and balls made in Jalandhar... Even during the election campaign, Arvind Kejriwal said that Jalandhar should be established as a sports hub," Mann said.

"This time, the captain of our cricket team, Shubman Gill, the Captain of the women's cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur, and the captain of India's football team, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, all are from Punjab... We will wash away the stigma of drugs on Punjab through sports," he added.

Last month, the Punjab and Haryana governments had launched 'Walk for Drug-Free Chandigarh' initiative, which was attended by governors and Chief Ministers of both states.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great initiative! Punjab youth especially need such awareness campaigns. Sports is indeed a good alternative but enforcement against drug peddlers must be stricter. Hope this walkathon inspires real change 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the effort, walkathons alone won't solve the drug problem. Our border security needs to be more vigilant to stop smuggling from neighboring countries. Also need better rehab facilities!
A
Amit S.
Good to see authorities taking this seriously. But what about the big fish? We always catch small-time users while the drug lords operate freely. Need to hit the supply chain harder!
S
Sunita R.
As a teacher in Chandigarh, I see how drugs ruin young lives daily. Awareness programs should start in schools from class 8 itself. Prevention is better than cure! 👍
V
Vikram J.
The sports angle is innovative! Making Punjab a sports hub can really divert youth energy positively. But government must ensure proper infrastructure and coaching facilities reach villages too.
N
Neha T.
These events are good for media coverage but what about sustained action? We need monthly drug de-addiction camps in every district with medical support. Also parents need counseling to identify early signs.

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