Bhagwant Mann slams centre over drug narrative, says Punjab being unfairly targeted

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday accused the Centre of tarnishing Punjab’s image by linking the state with the drug problem despite Punjab Police actively arresting accused persons from other states, including Madhya Pradesh.

He said nearly 40 percent of Punjab Police personnel are working in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to curb cross-border smuggling and maintain security along the international border.

Addressing a press conference at his Chandigarh residence, Mann said opposition parties often make provocative statements about Punjab’s law and order situation that are far from reality. He stressed that Punjab has always remained at the forefront whenever the nation required sacrifices and contributions from its people.

Highlighting Punjab’s strategic importance, the Chief Minister said the state shares a 533-kilometre border with Pakistan and frequently faces attempts to disturb peace and stability. “If Punjab is destabilised, the entire country feels the impact. Punjab is the heart of India,” he said.

Taking a swipe at opposition leaders, Mann urged them not to indulge in politics that could revive the dark days Punjab witnessed in the past. He appealed for constructive discussions on the state’s development roadmap instead of what he termed “petty politics” aimed at gaining publicity.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, who was also present at the press conference, said no criminal would be spared regardless of their influence or location. He noted that several accused have been arrested from other states as part of ongoing operations. Yadav added that the state’s anti-drug campaign includes not only the arrest of traffickers but also the seizure of properties linked to drug smuggling networks, with public participation being encouraged.

Mann further claimed that drugs seized in Punjab often originate from across the Pakistan border, with consignments arriving in packets weighing two, five and ten kilograms. He also pointed to large-scale drug seizures at ports in other parts of the country, particularly Gujarat’s Mundra Port, and questioned why Punjab alone is blamed for the narcotics problem.

Chief Minister said Punjab Police has recovered drugs and arrested traffickers linked to networks operating in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Criticising the Centre’s proposed anti-drug outreach campaign beginning September 18, Mann said authorities should focus on stopping drug supply routes first rather than launching symbolic awareness marches.