Jalandhar: In an exclusive interview with Dainik Savera, Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, shared his thoughts on the current situation in the state. When asked about his understanding of Punjab’s situation, Kataria acknowledged that the real picture of Punjab must be well known to him, given his position and experiences. He began by emphasizing the importance of focusing on the state’s development and challenges. Further, he spoke about the key areas requiring attention, stressing the importance of addressing these issues collectively for the overall progress of Punjab.
Q: Given your extensive experience, you must have a clear understanding of the current situation in Punjab. What is your perspective on the state of affairs in Punjab at the moment?
A: Punjab has historically been a state that has made significant contributions to the nation in various sectors, including the army, security, and religion, with a rich cultural heritage. It has been one of the leading states in the country, excelling in agriculture and many other areas. However, during my time here, one pressing issue that I have been confronting on a daily basis is the growing drug menace. The state is severely affected by this crisis, which has taken a toll on its society. On my visits to the border districts, I spoke with local administrations, including women from these areas, and learned that the drug problem has been deeply entrenched in their communities. Many expressed their concerns about how the drug addiction epidemic has torn apart families. The youth, unfortunately, find themselves trapped in this vicious cycle, leading to devastating consequences such as suicides and violent outbursts. The situation has reached a point where individuals are turning to me for assistance in dealing with this issue. This interaction has had a profound impact on me, making me realize the urgent need to address the drug crisis in Punjab. It is clear that immediate action is required to break this cycle and help restore the well-being of our youth and communities. This is a matter I am committed to working on, with the goal of eradicating drugs from the state and ensuring a better future for its people.
Q: The drug problem has persisted through three different governments—SAD, Congress, and AAP—without significant progress. What steps do you think can effectively address this issue?
A: I have a vast experience in this field, and I firmly believe that the issue of drugs cannot be solved unless the people themselves become aware and willing to make a change. The solution lies in their active involvement. It is not just one individual’s fight—there are many people, organizations, and communities working tirelessly to eradicate drugs from our state. The key is unity; we need to come together and collectively fight against this menace. If we aim to build a “Rangla Punjab” and secure a better future for our generations, we must prioritize tackling the drug issue. This fight is not just about policy changes or government intervention; it’s about a collective societal effort. We need the active participation of every segment of society—be it youth, students, influential individuals, religious leaders, or common citizens. Everyone must unite under one roof, dedicating themselves to a drug-free Punjab. Only through awareness, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility can we hope to break the cycle of addiction and save future generations from this destructive path. It’s a fight that requires the whole community to join hands, work together, and create lasting change. A drug-free Punjab is achievable, but it can only be done with the support and commitment of everyone involved.
Q: So, you believe that this issue is difficult to address, and that it doesn’t necessarily require force to solve?
A: Yes, while law and order can ensure that the accused receive punishment, it doesn’t guarantee that crime will be prevented. If we truly want to stop crime, we must focus on uniting the public and getting them involved in fighting the issue together. Even then, achieving 100 percent success might not be possible, but I believe the only way to combat the drug crisis is by bringing people together and harnessing their individual efforts. Every person, whether they are a youth, student, or an influential figure, has a role to play in this fight. These individual efforts need to be united under one roof, so that we can collectively work towards a drug-free Punjab. It’s not just about enacting laws or using force; it’s about creating awareness and building a movement that involves every section of society. From religious leaders to community influencers, all of us must unite to combat this menace. While we may not eradicate the issue entirely, if we work together and pool our resources, we can certainly make significant progress. This collective effort can bring about real change. My heart tells me that only through unity and collective action will we be able to make a meaningful impact on this issue. Together, we can achieve a Punjab free of drugs, and that will be the true victory.
Q: During your visit to the border areas, did any comments from women or the elderly about the drug issue particularly strike you?
A: The pain parents feel as they watch their children fall victim to drugs is heart-wrenching. It’s devastating to see how addiction erodes the family unit, with children not only neglecting their parents but sometimes even turning against them. The impact of this crisis is felt by the entire family, and it’s difficult to bear. The situation is made worse by the fact that drugs are being smuggled into the region from Pakistan, often through drones. This influx is taking a toll on our youth, with both boys and girls falling prey to addiction. This issue has reached alarming proportions, and if left unaddressed, it could destroy future generations. The drug menace has gripped Punjab, and the consequences are far-reaching. It’s not just the individuals affected by addiction, but their families, their communities, and the state as a whole. We are witnessing the breakdown of our youth, and the ripple effects are devastating. This is an issue that requires urgent action, as it threatens to ruin not only the present but the future of Punjab’s next generation. The entire state needs to come together to address this crisis before it’s too late.
Q: As a mediator, what feedback have you provided to both the state and central governments regarding the drug issue, and what solutions do you think can be implemented? What are your future plans in addressing this problem?
A: Everyone has been working tirelessly, day and night, to fight the battle against drugs. The departments are continuously taking steps to tackle this issue, but the solution lies not just in these efforts alone. We must address the root cause of the problem. Collaboration with the public is essential to truly combat this crisis. The people also need to recognize the gravity of the situation and actively participate in this fight. I believe that with collective effort, including input from the public, we can make real progress. Everyone must join hands, share their feedback, and work together towards a solution. As a mediator, I will continue to do my best to support and contribute to this cause, ensuring that we work as one to defeat the drug menace and safeguard our future generations.
Q: For years, we’ve been reporting on this issue, but for the first time, someone believes it requires dialogue, not force. What’s your take on this approach?
A: I believe that while some individuals can be punished and jailed, that alone will not solve the issue. Punishing a few may provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the root cause. The real solution lies in bringing the community together to fight this menace collectively. It requires awareness, education, and support from the public, including youth, parents, and influential figures. Only through unity and collaboration can we create a long-term solution to eradicate this crisis. It’s not just about punishment, but a collective effort to prevent and eliminate the drug problem.
Q: During the Lok Sabha elections, it was mentioned that an NCB branch would be opened in Amritsar. Is this project still in the pipeline, and could it be beneficial?
A: I don’t have detailed knowledge about this initiative, but if we proceed with it, there is definitely a potential for success. This issue deeply saddens me, and it’s not just a topic for discussion—I truly feel it. I’ve been fighting against it for a long time. Recently, I participated in the walk against drugs, and such causes will always have my full support. My schedule is always clear for efforts that work towards solving this pressing issue, and I will continue to do everything in my power to fight against the drug menace.
Q: It’s often believed that governors don’t engage directly with issues on the ground, but you’ve proven otherwise. What motivated you to take this approach?
A: I have always made it clear to the media that I’m not here merely for photo opportunities; I am genuinely committed to working on this issue from the heart and soul. That’s why, during the walk against drugs, I joined the people and walked with them. On the first day, I walked 6 to 6.5 km with the participants, and the next day, I continued to walk with them. It wasn’t just about being present; it was about connecting with the people and the cause. I felt incredibly energized and healthy throughout the walk, which reaffirmed my commitment to this fight. It was important for me to show that I am fully dedicated to solving the drug crisis in Punjab, not just through words but through real, tangible actions. I believe that showing solidarity and being involved firsthand helps inspire others to join in and work towards change.
Q: Were you aware of the drug issue from the beginning, or did you become familiar with it after assuming office?
A: Initially, I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of the drug problem in Punjab. However, as time passed, I began meeting people from various walks of life and gradually understood the severity of the issue. I made it a point to study the situation deeply, reading reports, speaking with local administrators, and understanding the ground realities. It was then that I realized how rapidly this issue was consuming our society, especially our youth. The drugs issue is not just a matter of law and order; it’s a matter of our future generations. If we truly want to save the youth of Punjab and protect them from this destructive cycle, we must unite and fight against it. We need to stand firm, like a wall, and push back against this menace. When I spoke to the government about this, I found that they are also committed to addressing the issue. But I believe that true change will only come when we all work together, regardless of political affiliation. My effort is to bring everyone—whether from different parties, communities, or organizations—together to fight this problem as one united front. Only by joining forces can we hope to create a positive impact and free our state from the grip of drugs. This is a fight that requires collective action and determination.
Q: What is your view on the current law and order situation in Punjab?
A: I believe that drugs play a significant role in crime, and they are a major contributing factor to the law and order situation in Punjab. The reason behind this is that our neighboring country, Pakistan, cannot confront us directly, so they are resorting to tactics like smuggling drugs into our society. They are using small drones to infiltrate our borders, making it extremely difficult to detect and intercept these operations. This has become a major challenge for us, as it not only affects the security of our state but also harms the health and well-being of our youth. Despite these challenges, we are working tirelessly to combat this menace. The Punjab government has drafted a comprehensive plan to address the issue. This plan focuses on strengthening border security, increasing intelligence-sharing, and enhancing surveillance along the border. We are also working closely with central agencies to curb cross-border drug smuggling. It’s not just about dealing with the symptoms of the drug problem but addressing the root causes and bringing a holistic approach to ensure the safety and future of our youth. We are committed to fighting this issue with full determination, and I believe that with collective efforts, we can make a significant impact.
Q: Do you believe that the drug trade is also fueling Khalistani elements in Punjab? What are your thoughts on this connection?
A: I believe that the individuals caught by the police are merely pawns in a larger game, and the real power lies with the influential people behind these operations. For those involved, it’s more of a job than a cause. To effectively tackle the issue, we must focus on working with these lower-level operatives, who hold the key to uncovering and reaching the higher-level operators. Only by understanding the structure and identifying the masterminds behind these illegal activities can we successfully dismantle the entire network. Addressing this issue requires a multi-layered approach, focusing not only on arresting those involved but also on dismantling the power structures that enable these operations to thrive. By targeting the root causes and working together, we can hope to eliminate the drug menace more effectively.
Q: What is your opinion on farmer leader Dallewal’s hunger strike?
A: I believe that the way to resolve issues is through dialogue. Whether it’s a one-time conversation or repeated discussions, communication is key to finding a solution. When it comes to the issue of MSP, if we compare the situation today to a few years ago, we can clearly see that there has been an increase. The government has consistently been working to support farmers. However, if there are still demands from their side, blocking roads and disrupting the entire industry and development is not the answer. Instead, we should sit down together and have a constructive conversation. It’s crucial to find common ground, rather than taking extreme measures that harm the entire system. Dialogue is the only way to move forward, and the government is always open to listening and finding ways to address the concerns of farmers in a peaceful and effective manner.