Taking forward the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, devotees from village Nimbua in the Dera Bassi Assembly constituency were flagged off for darshan at Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib (Sri Harmandir Sahib). The yatra was formally inaugurated by local MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, marking another step in the Bhagwant Mann government’s people-centric welfare initiatives.

The devotees expressed deep gratitude to the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for facilitating the pilgrimage, stating that the scheme has made religious journeys accessible to common people who otherwise find it difficult to bear travel expenses. Many participants described the initiative as a respectful gesture towards faith and tradition.

Bhagwant Mann: Making Pilgrimages Accessible to All

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent citizens, especially senior citizens and economically weaker sections, from visiting major religious sites. Under the scheme, the state government bears the cost of travel and basic arrangements, allowing devotees to undertake their pilgrimage with dignity and comfort.

Welfare Governance with Respect for Faith

Speaking on the occasion, local representatives highlighted that the Mann government believes in governance that respects faith while ensuring inclusivity. By supporting pilgrimages to important religious destinations, the government is strengthening social harmony and reinforcing the message of equal respect for all beliefs.

Positive Public Response Across Punjab

Residents of the region welcomed the initiative, calling it a meaningful welfare measure that directly touches people’s lives. Similar yatras have been organized from various parts of Punjab, receiving widespread appreciation from devotees and local communities alike.

Officials said the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana will continue in the coming months, enabling more pilgrims across the state to visit revered religious places, while reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate governance.

Punjab Police on Day 343 of its statewide anti-drug अभियान ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ intensified its crackdown against drug trafficking, arresting 95 drug smugglers across multiple districts of the state. The operation was conducted under the supervision of @ANTFPunjab, reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

During the coordinated raids, police teams recovered a significant quantity of contraband, including 12.3 kg of heroin, 160 kg of poppy husk, 321 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with ₹2,640 in drug money. Officials said the seizures highlight the continued pressure on drug supply networks operating in Punjab.

Focus on Rehabilitation Alongside Enforcement

Apart from enforcement action, Punjab Police also emphasized rehabilitation and de-addiction. As part of the same drive, 29 individuals were motivated to join de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes, reflecting the government’s dual approach of strict action against smugglers and support for those battling substance abuse.

Over 48,000 Drug Smugglers Arrested So Far

With the latest arrests, the total number of drug smugglers arrested during the 343-day campaign has reached 48,096, marking one of the most sustained anti-narcotics operations in the state’s history. Senior officials said the campaign has disrupted major supply chains and reduced the availability of drugs at the street level.

Bhagwant Mann Government’s Continued Push Against Drugs

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has repeatedly asserted that the fight against drugs remains a top priority. The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign continues to combine intelligence-led policing, ground-level enforcement, and community engagement to make Punjab drug-free.

Punjab Police stated that such operations will continue relentlessly, urging citizens to cooperate and report any drug-related activity, assuring strict confidentiality and prompt action.

Bhagwant Mann: The construction of a new link road from Singhewala Sainiyan village to Ladhuka Mandi in Fazilka district has brought significant relief to local residents, improving daily commuting and access to essential services.

Bhagwant Mann Government Improves Rural Connectivity in Fazilka

Villagers say the newly built road has eased transportation for farmers, traders, students, and workers who earlier struggled with poor connectivity. A video shared from the village captures a young resident openly appreciating the government’s initiative, highlighting how the road has reduced travel time and made movement safer and smoother.

Boost to Agriculture, Trade, and Daily Life

The improved road connectivity is especially beneficial for farmers, enabling faster and more affordable transport of agricultural produce to the mandi. Residents note that better roads are directly contributing to economic activity, reducing vehicle damage, and improving access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Strengthening Last-Mile Connectivity in Border Areas

Fazilka, being a border district, has long faced challenges related to infrastructure gaps in rural pockets. The completion of the Singhewala Sainiyan–Ladhuka Mandi link road is being seen as a crucial step towards strengthening last-mile connectivity in the region. Locals believe that improved roads not only support economic activities but also enhance a sense of security and inclusion among border-area residents.

Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government has prioritised strengthening rural infrastructure, with a focus on link roads that connect villages to mandis and main highways. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that progress reaches even the last village.