Chandigarh, Feb 28: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has set a three-month deadline to make the state drug-free, reinforcing his government’s commitment to tackling the drug menace. In a high-level meeting with senior officials on Friday, Mann outlined a series of stringent measures, including the establishment of special courts to expedite trials and ensure swift convictions in drug-related cases.
The meeting took place a day after the formation of a five-member Cabinet sub-committee to oversee the state's ongoing anti-drug drive. The committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, includes ministers Aman Arora, Balbir Singh, Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Tarunpreet Singh Sond. The panel is responsible for monitoring the efforts of the police and health departments in combating drug abuse and implementing de-addiction programs.
Comprehensive Crackdown on Drug Trade
Attended by deputy commissioners, senior police officials, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the meeting focused on curbing the supply of drugs and ensuring stringent actions against drug peddlers.Mann stressed the need for preventive measures in schools and colleges to protect young people from falling prey to drug addiction. He directed the education department to introduce courses highlighting the dangers of drug abuse.
To intensify the crackdown, the state government plans to:
- Cut off supply chains and ensure that drug traffickers are arrested.
- Deny government subsidies such as free electricity and water to drug peddlers and their families.
- Seize properties of convicted drug offenders with immediate effect.
- Transform the campaign into a mass movement, engaging citizens and officials at all levels.
Tougher Measures and Warnings to Drug Dealers
The Chief Minister cited a recent case in Ludhiana, where a drug smuggler's illegal property was demolished. He announced that a library would be built on the common land in the village where the property stood.Mann warned that all police officials must ensure the state is free of drugs within three months. He also mandated a monthly evaluation of Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to assess their performance in the anti-drug drive, with strict action against those failing to meet targets. Additionally, he issued a strong warning against any police officers involved in drug consumption or aiding drug-related activities.
'Yudh Nashia Virudh' – Punjab’s War Against Drugs
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora reiterated the government's resolve to eliminate the drug menace under the campaign 'Yudh Nashia Virudh' (War Against Drugs).Cheema emphasized that the government’s message to drug smugglers is clear: "Either leave Punjab or abandon illegal activities." He also referred to recent demolitions of illegally constructed houses of drug peddlers in Ludhiana, Patiala, and Rupnagar districts, stating that bulldozers and other strict actions will be used if necessary.
The state government has pledged to have ministers and officers actively monitoring and executing the campaign at the village, tehsil, and district levels to ensure the success of their mission.
Arora blamed the previous Congress and Akali governments for allowing the drug menace to spread during their tenures, asserting that the current administration is taking decisive steps to reverse the damage.
With an aggressive timeline and a multi-pronged strategy, Punjab is set for a massive crackdown on drug abuse, sending a strong message to offenders while reinforcing preventive measures for the youth.