Punjab Newsline | Mohali
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the final phase of the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ from the historic land of Chapparchiri, flagging off a bikers’ rally that will travel across all 23 districts of the state to spread awareness against drug abuse and trafficking.
Calling for a united fight against drugs, Mann said the campaign must become a people’s movement rather than remain the responsibility of the government and police alone. He urged Punjabis to share information about drug traffickers, encourage those struggling with addiction to seek treatment, and help protect the future of the state’s youth.
The rally will be accompanied by suggestion and complaint boxes to collect public feedback and information about drug trafficking. Actress Neeru Bajwa and the team of Punjabi film Thaapi also joined the awareness campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said the launch from Chapparchiri carried historical significance because of its association with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s struggle against injustice and tyranny. He said the same spirit of courage and determination would guide Punjab’s fight against drugs.
“The fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone. Every Punjabi must participate in this mission to protect the lives, dignity and future of our younger generation,” the Chief Minister said.
He appealed to people to provide information about drug traffickers through the designated Safe Punjab helpline. He also said anti-drone systems had been deployed along the borders to detect and intercept drones allegedly used to transport drugs from across the border.
Over 81,000 alleged drug smugglers arrested
Highlighting the state government’s action against drug trafficking, Mann said more than 81,000 alleged drug smugglers had been arrested, while 3,900 kg of heroin and 983 kg of opium had been seized. He added that the conviction rate in drug-trafficking cases had reached 89%.
According to the Chief Minister, around 15,000 Village and Ward Defence Committees had been formed, with approximately 1.25 lakh members working as anti-drug volunteers across Punjab.
He said 51,979 citizens had shared information through the Safe Punjab helpline, leading to 25,339 arrests. Information provided by Village Defence Committees had resulted in more than 4,000 FIRs and 5,000 arrests.
Mann further stated that the Punjab Police had organised more than 75,000 public meetings under the anti-drug campaign over 17 months.
Admissions at de-addiction centres nearly triple
Emphasising rehabilitation alongside enforcement, Mann said public confidence in the government’s de-addiction efforts had increased, with admissions at government-run centres nearly tripling in one year.
More than 40,000 patients had been admitted to these centres, where treatment was being provided free of cost, he said.
The government had also introduced skill-development programmes and sports training at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to help recovering individuals rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of relapse. Since March 2025, skill training had been introduced at centres in 21 districts, according to Mann.
He also referred to the ‘Soorme’ initiative, under which young people who have remained drug-free for two years are honoured and encouraged to serve as role models for others.
70,885 government jobs provided: Mann
Highlighting employment generation as part of the government’s efforts to engage young people in productive activities, Mann said 70,885 government jobs had been provided purely on merit.
He also referred to initiatives such as the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, free electricity, Aam Aadmi Clinics, improvements in school education, better road infrastructure, healthcare facilities and the development of village playgrounds.
Taking aim at previous BJP, Akali and Congress governments, Mann alleged that their policies and neglect had contributed to Punjab’s problems and deprived people of opportunities. He said the present government was working to address these challenges through development initiatives and accountable governance.
Sports and education key to keeping youth away from drugs
Mann said around 7.5 lakh students had been covered under the government’s drug-prevention programme. Appealing to young people to stay away from drugs, he urged them to focus on education, sports and skill development.
He said the state had allocated ₹1,791 crore for sports and was developing 3,100 rural sports grounds and 3,000 gyms. He also highlighted the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ initiative, saying it had encouraged participation in sports across different age groups.
Referring to Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports, the Chief Minister mentioned cricketer Shubman Gill, women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur and hockey player Harmanpreet Singh. He also paid tribute to sporting legends Milkha Singh, Dara Singh, Olympian Balbir Singh and Olympian Surjit Singh.
Mann said Punjab had the talent and sporting tradition to produce more champions and Olympians, adding that the government was committed to providing young people with opportunities to excel.
World-class film city planned in Punjab
Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to the entertainment industry, Mann announced that a world-class film city equipped with modern facilities was being planned in the state.
He said the proposed project would strengthen the Punjabi entertainment industry and create new opportunities for artists and other professionals.
The Chief Minister also highlighted village pond rejuvenation through the Seechewal and Thapar models as part of the government’s efforts towards sustainable rural development.
On religious issues, Mann said legislation had been enacted to prescribe stringent punishment, including life imprisonment without parole, for sacrilege involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Concluding his address, Mann reiterated that the final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ would focus on public participation, awareness and firm action against drug trafficking. He said the government would continue its efforts to build a drug-free, safe and prosperous Punjab.
