Sampark Abhiyan’ helping Punjab Police educate youth against gang recruitment tactics; residents appreciate community policing initiative
*— More than 2,800 programs conducted across 28 districts in three months*
CHANDIGARH, April 24:
The Punjab Police launched ‘Sampark Abhiyan’—involving personnel interacting with state residents to listen to and solve their grievances, promoting community policing, and tackling the drug menace—is turning out to be an open dialogue platform for educating the state’s youth about the ‘Dark World’ of gangs and gangsters.
The regular interactions at district, village, and city levels have helped the state police hold an open dialogue with Punjab’s youth and helped them understand how gangs target the younger generation.
With the inputs gathered during the Punjab Government-backed ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ operation, the police has found that gangsters lure youngsters with false hopes of earning quick money, material comforts, or promises of settling abroad for committing crimes—a crystal lie which many do not see at first.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that these sessions are giving youngsters a clearer picture of those risks—something that is resonating strongly on the ground.
“Young minds have the potential to build their future and contribute to the state. But we have seen how easily they can be misled. The people who actually run these networks often stay far removed, while the ones they recruit face the consequences. It’s important that youngsters recognise these traps early,” said the DGP.
For many students, these conversations are leaving a lasting impression.
Kanwaljeet Kaur, who attended a recent session, described it as an eye-opener. “It made us realise how gangs take advantage of vulnerable youth. In the end, it is the person involved who risks everything. Such sessions should continue, and even we, as students, can help spread awareness,” she said.
Launched last year, the initiative has made it easier for residents from villages, towns, and cities to connect with the police, share concerns, and feel heard. Over time, this direct engagement is also building a sense of shared responsibility in keeping communities safe.
The outreach has complemented the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, with inputs from residents helping the police better understand local challenges. Senior officers, along with field personnel, have been engaging with students, village heads, and families, discussing not just crime, but its deeper impact—on individuals and on society.
As these sessions reach more remote areas, there is a visible shift in how people are responding. Many are stepping forward, appreciating the effort and acknowledging the importance of staying vigilant against such influences.
Since January this year, more than 2,800 sessions have been conducted across 28 districts, drawing participation from people across age groups. The response has encouraged the police to further expand these efforts.
Officials maintain that the initiative is not just about enforcement, but about building trust and encouraging people to speak up without fear. With continued public participation and awareness, the effort is gradually moving towards its larger goal—a safer and more secure Punjab.
Recently, Mansa police organised a meeting with students and staff of Guru Nanak College, Budhlada (Mansa). The meeting was attended by nearly 1,500 persons and was addressed by Harjeet Singh, IPS, DIG Range Bathinda.
Another awareness seminar was conducted at the Senior Secondary School of Village Karni Khera (Fazilka), which was attended by students, teachers, Sarpanches, and local villagers. “Being a border district, youth were specifically sensitised that they may be targeted and contacted by drug smugglers and gangsters. They were advised to remain vigilant and not get influenced by lures such as easy money, glamour, or false promises of fame,” said SSP Fazilka Gurmeet Singh.
The participants were also made aware of the Anti-Gangster helpline number 93946-93946. They were further informed that the Punjab Government has a reward policy in place to encourage informants, assuring incentives and confidentiality for those who share credible information about gangsters and criminal activities.