On most evenings, as "Rehras Sahib Path" concludes at village gurdwaras along the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar district, a familiar appeal echoes through loudspeakers. A police officer's voice joins the granthi's, urging young people to stay away from drugs and anti-social elements.
According to The Tribune, ASI Kanwaljit Singh, who is deputed at the Chamiari police post, has been visiting village gurdwaras to make these announcements. His goal is to alert youngsters about the dangers they may face.
Why Police Are Taking This Community Outreach Approach
This initiative reflects a growing concern among police. Criminal networks are increasingly finding young recruits, including juveniles, to carry out tasks connected with drugs and arms smuggling. The gurdwara loudspeaker system offers a direct way to reach the community where they gather.
The police have been urging parents to keep a close watch on their wards. The announcements are designed to reach both the youth and their families, making the warning a shared responsibility.
What the Announcements Tell Young People
The core message is simple: stay away from drugs and anti-social elements. By using the gurdwara's loudspeaker after the evening prayer, police are meeting people in a familiar and trusted space. This approach makes the warning feel personal and community-driven rather than just an official order.
"The voice of a police officer joins that of the granthi, urging youngsters to stay away from drugs and anti-social elements." — The Tribune
Our Take: A Smart Use of Community Trust
To put it plainly, this is a smart move by the Amritsar police. Instead of relying only on patrols or raids, they are using the gurdwara's loudspeaker to reach young people where they already are. The gurdwara is a place of trust and respect in village life, so a warning delivered there carries more weight than a standard police announcement.
The concern about juveniles being recruited for drug and arms smuggling is serious. When criminal networks target young people, they often use them because they face lighter consequences. By warning both the youth and their parents, police are trying to break this cycle before it starts.
This initiative shows that community outreach can be just as important as enforcement. It is a reminder that keeping young people safe requires everyone — police, religious leaders, and families — to work together. The message from the loudspeakers is clear, and it is one that every parent in the region will hope their children hear.
