Punjab cannot afford another generation lost to drugs. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice & Empowerment which had 11 opposition MPs, in its report “Drug Abuse among Young Persons: Problems and Solutions”, estimated over 66 lakh people in Punjab affected by substance use which is 33% of the total population of the state, including the horrifying fact that 7 lakh children aged 10–17 years are affected by Drug addiction. These are not just statistics. These are Punjab’s sons, daughters and families. I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on Sh. @RavneetBittu 's cavalcade yesterday while he was on his way to join the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra. Stones, eggs and other objects were hurled at the convoy and vehicles were damaged. Such intimidation will not stop BJP. In fact, it makes our resolve stronger. The @BJP4Punjab Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra will travel through all 117 constituencies because this fight cannot be fought from air-conditioned offices. It must be fought at every doorstep, in every village and every mohalla. @narendramodi @AmitShah @BJP4India @BLSanthosh @Manthriji

Deeply anguished by the outrage expressed by a small section over Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji’s visit to a historic Gurdwara in London. He came as a devotee, offered Rumala Sahib, prayed, partook of Karah Prasad and interacted with the management on Sikh history and ethos. Our Gurus preached Sarbat da Bhala and welcomed every human being who comes to Guru’s Darbar with faith. Differences, if any, must be resolved through dialogue, not outrage. When Rahul Gandhi visited Sri Darbar Sahib, despite the painful history associated with the Congress and the Sikh genocide of 1984, he was allowed to enter as a devotee, offer prayers and perform seva. As the attached @HTTweets clipping shows, the RSS had clearly recognised Sikhism as a separate religion with a distinct identity which Mohan Bhagwat jee reiterated in Ludhiana in February this year. It was equally painful to see a handful of fringe elements outside the Indian High Commission in London disrespecting our Tricolour & finally reaching the hotel of stay of dignitaries *Sikhs are not Khalistanis, and Khalistanis do not represent Sikhs* The Sikh community has made unparalleled sacrifices for India’s freedom and unity. We are proud Sikhs, proud Punjabis and proud Indians. 🇮🇳 @rssorg @blsanthosh @DrMohanBhagwat @amitshah @narendramodi @HCI_London @UKinIndia hindustantimes.com/cities/ch…