Punjab being defamed for fighting war against drugs: Badal

Stressing that Punjab was fighting the "nation's war" against drug menace, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the state was being "belittled by some inimical forces."
"Punjab has a glorious track record of fighting for safeguarding unity and integrity of the country and now also it was fighting nation's war against drug menace due to which the state has been belittled by some inimical forces," he said here.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab falls on the transit route of drug coming from across the border to be supplied in the entire country.
However, the Punjabis were shielding the country from this curse by keeping a strict check on drug peddling due to which some of the forces wary of peace and prosperity of the state has tarnished its image "by labeling them as drug addicts," Badal said.

He said it was unfortunate that Punjab was "once again suffering for the cause of the country" and despite that the government has made all out efforts to stamp out the drug menace of drugs from Punjab.
"Massive steps have been taken to cut the supply line of drugs and setting up a network of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for drug addicts to enable them live life with dignity and pride," Badal said.

Describing the celebration of International Yoga Day as a "historic initiative" of NDA government, the CM said that people need to practice yoga for healthy body and sound mind.

Complementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "success of this mega event", he said, besides ensuring good health of the people, this initiative of promoting the ancient Indian discipline across the globe has enhanced the prestige of the country worldwide.
"Even, I practice yoga everyday for keeping myself fit and fine", Badal added.
He hoped that Union government would soon release the sum of 'value cut' borne by the farmers during the purchase of wheat.
Badal said that the central government had announced to bear the 'value cut' due on wheat crop due to unseasonal rain in the region so it would certainly release the amount very soon.