Faridkot Achieves Major Milestones in the War Against Drugs:
-Significant 37% Drop in Crime Rate; 97% of Robbery Cases Solved,
-Public Trust in Police Has Increased: SSP
-Police Strictness Instills Fear Among Criminals: Praveen Kala
Faridkot (Alexander D’Souza): The ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign, initiated by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has begun yielding positive results in the Faridkot district. Through a combination of strict action by the district police and the strategic use of technology, Faridkot has emerged as a frontrunner in the state’s battle against drugs and crime. According to the latest data, the district has recorded a 37% decline in overall crime, while the police have achieved a major success by solving 97% of all robbery cases.
A Blend of Technology and People Power:
This transformation has been made possible not solely through police strictness, but also through the synergy of technology and public cooperation under ‘Operation Prahar.’ A comprehensive network of CCTV cameras has been installed at key locations across the district. Citing the specific example of village Dhilwan Kalan, officials noted that an extensive CCTV network-covering both link roads and highways-has been established there, which is actively monitored in real-time by both the police and the village administration.
Village Security Committees Strengthen Intelligence Gathering:
Faridkot SSP Pragya Jain (IPS) stated that regular meetings with Village Security Committees (VSCs) and social organizations have significantly bolstered public trust in the police force. She added that, thanks to a policy ensuring the confidentiality of informants’ identities, ordinary citizens are now coming forward to share information regarding drug traffickers, thereby enabling immediate and decisive action.
Public Response: Sukhjit Singh Dhilwan (Coordinator, Malwa Zone): According to him, the use of CCTV technology has made it easier to identify suspicious activities, which has played a crucial role in curbing drug trafficking. Praveen Kala (Chairman, Sahara Seva Society) stated that the strict measures adopted by the police have instilled fear among criminals and dealt a severe blow to the drug trafficking network within the district.
Emphasis on Awareness, Not Just Strict Enforcement:
Alongside taking action against drug abuse, the police administration is also taking steps to foster social awareness. Awareness camps are being organized to keep the youth away from drugs, and people are being encouraged to embrace a healthy lifestyle through activities such as distributing saplings for environmental conservation.
News: 28-2,
