Phillaur, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reiterated that eliminating drugs remains the state government’s top priority, asserting that the police have complete freedom to take strict action against drug traffickers without political interference.
Reviewing the state government’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, Mann announced approval for 117 new vehicles for Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to strengthen enforcement and intensify the crackdown on narcotics.
The Chief Minister called for turning the campaign into a people’s movement, emphasising that the fight against drugs cannot be won through police action alone and requires active participation from families, villages and neighbourhoods.
Addressing senior police officials, Mann described drug abuse as a serious social menace threatening the future of Punjab’s youth. He said the government was pursuing a comprehensive strategy to tackle both the supply and demand sides of the problem, with sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and disrupt the narcotics supply chain.
“The fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the police; it must become a people’s movement,” Mann said, reiterating that law enforcement agencies had been given a free hand to perform their duties without recommendations or political interference.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Centre, alleging that drug trafficking was prevalent in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, yet Punjab and its people were being singled out and defamed over the issue.
He urged the Union government to take effective measures to stop the flow of narcotics across the international border and through Gujarat, instead of maligning Punjab. Mann asserted that the state government would continue its crackdown on those pushing young people towards addiction and would not allow the drug menace to tarnish Punjab’s reputation.
Referring to the murder of a social activist in Mansa, Mann said those responsible would face strict punishment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and justice in the case.
The Chief Minister maintained that the government remained determined to dismantle the drug network and restore Punjab’s standing as a prosperous state. He said the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign would continue, with firm action against those involved in drug trafficking.
FOLLOW NOW
