Surinder Choudhary urges youth to take inspiration from Martyrs in fight against drug menace

• Illegal Mining will not be tolerated, strict action against violators: Deputy CM

KATHUA: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary called upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to draw inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of young martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in combating drug abuse. Addressing a gathering at Ram Leela Ground here on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, he emphasized on the need for younger generation to resist the growing drug menace and learn from the devastating impact it has had in neighbouring state.

The event was attended by Former MP and Minister Lal Singh; Former MLA and Minister Babu Singh; Former MLA and Minister Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma and several other representatives. Highlighting the supreme sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the youth must emulate their patriotism and commitment to the nation. He urged them to choose constructive lifestyles, stay away from substance abuse, and contribute positively to society. “We must honour our heroes by playing a constructive role in nation-building, raising our voices against all challenges, and striving to take our country to new heights,” he said.

Calling for collective action against social evils, he urged the public to reflect on the direction in which society is headed and work together for a healthier, drug-free community. Reaffirming India’s rich heritage upheld by Saints, Rishis, Peers, and Faqirs, he encouraged future generations to preserve the nation’s integrity and diversity, which will make India a unique and thriving democracy.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the urgent need to curb drug trafficking, particularly in border district Kathua. “The threat of drug abuse from neighbouring State is looming large over Kathua. We must take a united stand and uproot this menace from our society,” he said. He called upon all sections of society to pledge their commitment to fighting this crisis.

He also underlined the government’s resolve to curb illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir. “Illegal mining will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against those who attempt to exploit our resources,” he asserted. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by senior officers of R&B inspected the ongoing construction work on the Juthana Bridge, a crucial infrastructure project under the Central Road Fund (CRF).

The 500-meter pre-stressed concrete double-lane bridge, along with its 1,875-meter approach roads, has been allotted a cost of ₹3,120 lakhs. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality standards, he directed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR) and warned that any deviations or irregularities would not be tolerated.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to benefit approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people, significantly improving connectivity and easing transportation in the region. The Deputy Chief Minister also visited the Sanji Morh-Khanpur road, where residents raised concerns about water logging and the need for proper drainage. In response, he instructed XEN Hiranagar to construct an adequate drainage system, incorporating suitable land as agreed upon by the local community.

The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and ensuring transparency in public works while urging citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in building a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.