Balbir Singh Sidhu Attends Wrestling Tournament in Village Mataur, Encourages Wrestlers
Promoting sports is essential to protect youth from drugs
DPB, Mohali, October 21 : Senior Congress leader and former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu attended a grand wrestling tournament organised in village Mataur and encouraged the participating wrestlers. On the occasion, he provided financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to promote sports among the youth and encourage the traditional sport of wrestling in Punjab. He said that wrestling is an integral part of Punjab’s rich heritage and traditional sporting culture. It instils strength, discipline, hard work and sportsmanship among young people. Such sporting events play an important role in preserving our heritage and connecting the younger generation with sports while keeping them away from drugs.
On the occasion, Balbir Singh Sidhu raised sharp questions about the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the BJP government at the Centre over the serious issue of drug abuse and trafficking. He said that Punjab’s youth continue to suffer due to drugs, while the governments have failed to eliminate this problem at its roots.
Referring to cases involving the seizure of large consignments of heroin at Gujarat’s Mundra Port, Sidhu said that Gujarat is governed by the BJP, and the BJP is also in power at the Centre. Despite this, incidents of drug trafficking through ports raise serious questions about the performance of the Central Government. He said that transparent investigations into drug trafficking routes, stronger security arrangements and strict action against those involved in this illegal trade are the responsibility of the Central Government.
Referring to Parvinder Singh Jhota of Mansa and Gulzar Singh, who have raised their voices against drugs, Sidhu said that incidents involving people fighting to protect Punjab’s youth from drugs are a matter of serious concern. He stated that Mohanjit Singh of Sheron had attempted to register his protest against the drug problem by showing a black flag to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, but the alleged mistreatment of Mohanjit Singh must be investigated impartially. He emphasised that every citizen has the right to express their views peacefully in a democracy and that such cases must be investigated fairly.
He further said that the Aam Aadmi Party had made major promises to make Punjab drug-free, but drugs remain a serious challenge for the state. The government’s anti-drug campaign should not remain limited to advertisements and public statements. Instead, effective measures must be taken to act against drug traffickers, rehabilitate young people affected by addiction and curb the supply of drugs. The government must ensure accountability to protect Punjab’s youth.
In conclusion, Balbir Singh Sidhu thanked the organisers of the wrestling tournament in village Mataur, appreciating their efforts to preserve Punjab’s traditional sport and connect young people with sports while keeping them away from drugs. He said that promoting sporting competitions in villages, improving sports grounds and providing young people with the necessary sporting facilities are essential. Such initiatives must always be encouraged to protect Punjab’s heritage and safeguard the future of its youth.
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