Eradicating Drugs From Punjab Is Govt's Biggest Target: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Phillaur, October 16, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday asserted that eradicating drugs is the state government’s biggest priority, declaring that the Punjab Police has complete freedom to take strict action against drug traffickers without political interference. Reviewing the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, he announced 117 new vehicles for DSPs to strengthen the crackdown and called for turning the fight against drugs into a people’s movement.

Hitting out at the Centre, the Chief Minister said that while drugs were being sold rampantly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, Punjab was being singled out and Punjabis were being defamed. He urged the Centre to stop the flow of drugs across the international border and from Gujarat instead of maligning Punjab, while asserting that those behind the murder of a social activist in Mansa would also face strict punishment.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I attended the review meeting of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur and held important discussions with senior police officials. The fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the police; it must become a people’s movement. We have given the police complete freedom to perform their duties without any recommendations or interference. To further strengthen the police department, we have today approved 117 new vehicles for DSPs (Deputy Superintendent of Police). We will never allow the sacred land of the Gurus and saints to be tarnished by the stigma of drugs. Let us unite to rebuild a ‘Rangla Punjab’ rooted in the principles of justice upheld by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has evolved into a mass movement aimed at safeguarding the future of the state and its younger generations. “Drugs are not merely a law-and-order challenge but a grave social menace threatening the dreams, aspirations and lives of thousands of young Punjabis. The government is firmly committed to dismantling the entire drug network and restoring the glory of Punjab,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the mission could achieve lasting success only when every citizen became an active participant in this collective struggle. “The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ cannot be won by the police alone; rather it has to become a people’s movement, with every family, every village, every neighbourhood and every responsible citizen standing united against this menace. The future of Punjab is at stake, and we cannot afford to remain silent spectators,” he said.

The Chief Minister affirmed, “The Punjab government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to strike at both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. Sustained action against drug traffickers has helped disrupt the supply chain and that the government will continue to act firmly against those involved in pushing Punjab’s youth towards addiction.”
He pointed out, “Drug addicts should not be viewed merely as offenders but as victims who need care, compassion, treatment and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

The Chief Minister cautioned that those who profit from the suffering of young people by manufacturing, smuggling and selling drugs will not be spared. “Those trapped in addiction need our support to return to normal life, while those poisoning our society for their selfish interests must face the full force of the law. The state government will not allow drug smugglers to destroy the homes of ordinary Punjabis and then escape accountability,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that his government is determined to break the nexus responsible for the drug trade and ensure that the benefits of its crackdown reached every village and town. He urged people to share credible information with the authorities and cooperate with law-enforcement agencies without fear.

The Chief Minister called upon citizens to rise above political and personal differences and unite for this common cause. “The mission of our government is bigger than any individual, party or government, adding that it is about saving our children, protecting our families and securing the future of Punjab. Together, we will defeat the drug menace, nurture sporting talent and build a state where every young person can dream fearlessly and fulfil those dreams with dignity,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that the Centre is questioning Punjab’s war against drugs when the state is fighting a battle for the entire nation. “The area upto 50-kilometre radius along the international border falls under the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF), yet Punjab is relentlessly fighting the drug menace with an unwavering commitment to protect its youth and future generations,” he said.

He said that the war against drugs is not Punjab’s battle alone, rather it is a national war that demands collective responsibility, coordination and decisive action.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr Balbir Singh and Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Director General (DGP) of Police Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.