Chandigarh, March 1: The Punjab Police launched a sweeping statewide operation against the drug menace on Saturday, conducting raids simultaneously at 750 locations across the state. This action comes just a day after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann set a stringent deadline of three months to make Punjab drug-free.
Around 12,000 police personnel participated in this massive anti-drug drive aimed at dismantling the networks of drug peddlers and smugglers. In certain locations, authorities went as far as demolishing properties associated with notorious drug dealers.
Cabinet Sub-Committee Holds First "Yudh Nashia Virudh" Meeting
The extensive operation coincided with the first meeting of the newly formed cabinet sub-committee dedicated to combating drug abuse, titled the "Yudh Nashia Virudh" (War Against Drugs) campaign. Chaired by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the committee emphasized strict enforcement measures against drug trafficking.Addressing the media after the meeting, Cheema said, "The Aam Aadmi Party has launched a significant attack against drugs. CM Bhagwant Mann has issued strict instructions. As per the directions of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, we will take firm action. Soon, not even a single drug peddler will remain in Punjab."
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav also participated in the high-level discussions, underscoring the seriousness of the initiative.
Ministers Assigned Districts to Supervise Anti-Drug Measures
The Punjab government has strategically assigned cabinet ministers specific districts to oversee the ongoing police operations and ensure effective implementation of the anti-drug campaign.- Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, and Tarn Taran.
- Cabinet Minister Aman Arora: Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
- Minister Taranpreet Singh Sond: Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, and Malerkotla.
- Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar: Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, and Ferozepur.
Aman Arora Urges Unity; Criticizes Previous Governments
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora appealed to all political parties, religious groups, and social organizations to unite in the fight against drugs. Arora criticized previous governments for failing to curb the drug epidemic and emphasized that comprehensive action was now visible on the ground."Drug addicts will not be treated as criminals but as patients. They will receive proper medical care in hospitals," Arora stated, highlighting the government’s compassionate approach.
Arora further emphasized, "It is impossible to completely stop the rivers of drugs created by previous governments without the cooperation of Punjab’s 3 crore residents."
Calling drug addiction a "cancer," Arora appealed, "I urge all political parties to support this campaign sincerely, keeping politics aside, to protect the youth and future generations of Punjab."
The sub-committee, headed by Cheema, will continuously monitor the actions of the police and health departments to ensure substantial progress in the fight against drugs in Punjab.
