Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched the final phase of the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign from Chappar Chiri, flagging off a motorcycle rally that will travel across all 23 districts to spread awareness against drug abuse. The campaign aims to turn the fight against drugs into a people’s movement, strengthen action against drug trafficking and encourage young people to choose education and sports over substance abuse.
Addressing a gathering at the historic site, Mann appealed to every Punjabi to participate actively in the campaign to protect the future of the state’s youth and restore Punjab’s pride. He said drugs would not be allowed to be sold clandestinely in the state and called for collective efforts to eliminate the menace.
Punjab CM Launches Final Phase of Yudh Nashean Virudh Campaign
The motorcycle rally was flagged off from Chappar Chiri, a site associated with the historic battle led by Sikh general Baba Banda Singh Bahadur against injustice and oppression.
Mann said the location carried historical significance and symbolised the courage, sacrifice and determination needed to fight drug abuse in Punjab.
Key objectives of the campaign include:
- Taking the anti-drug message to villages, towns and cities across all 23 districts.
- Encouraging public participation in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
- Collecting suggestions and complaints from residents through dedicated vehicles and complaint boxes.
- Creating awareness about drug addiction and encouraging affected people to seek treatment.
- Motivating young people to focus on education, sports and constructive activities.
The rally will also carry a vehicle to collect suggestions related to public welfare and development, alongside a complaint box for information about drug traffickers.
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CM Appeals to Youth to Choose Education and Sports Over Drugs
Mann urged young people to stay away from drugs and pursue education, sports and other productive activities. He said the campaign was not merely a government or police initiative but a collective responsibility involving every section of society.
The chief minister also thanked actress Neeru Bajwa, the team of the film Thappi and others who have joined the awareness campaign.
In his message on social media, Mann said the fight against drugs required unity and public participation to transform the campaign into a mass movement.
He also criticised the previous governments led by the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress, accusing them of allowing drugs to spread and damaging Punjab’s image.
Anti-Drug Drive: Government Highlights Arrests and Seizures
Mann shared figures on enforcement measures taken against drug trafficking in Punjab, highlighting arrests, seizures and public participation in reporting suspected drug-related activities.
According to the figures cited by the chief minister:
- More than 81,000 drug traffickers have been arrested.
- Around 3,900 kg of heroin has been seized.
- Around 983 kg of opium has been recovered.
- The conviction rate in drug trafficking cases has reached 89%.
- Information about drug-related activities has been received from 51,979 citizens through the Safe Punjab helpline.
- These helpline inputs have reportedly resulted in 25,339 arrests.
- Information provided by village defence committees has led to more than 4,000 FIRs and 5,000 arrests.
- Punjab Police has conducted more than 75,000 public meetings in 17 months under the campaign.
Mann said the government was committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and strengthening public cooperation in identifying and reporting suspected offenders.
Around 15,000 Village and Ward Defence Committees Formed
The chief minister said the state had established approximately 15,000 village and ward defence committees to help combat drug abuse at the grassroots level.
According to Mann, around 1.25 lakh members of these committees are working as anti-drug volunteers.
Their role includes:
- Sharing information about suspected drug trafficking.
- Raising awareness about substance abuse in villages and urban neighbourhoods.
- Encouraging residents to participate in anti-drug initiatives.
- Helping connect people affected by addiction with treatment and rehabilitation services.
The government believes community participation can strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse and identify trafficking networks.
Safe Punjab Helpline and Anti-Drone Systems to Strengthen Action
Mann urged residents to share information about drug traffickers through the Safe Punjab helpline. He said the government was also strengthening measures to prevent cross-border drug smuggling.
The chief minister highlighted the deployment of anti-drone systems along the border to detect and counter drones allegedly used to transport drugs across the border.
He said the government would continue strengthening efforts to prevent cross-border trafficking and protect Punjab’s younger generation from substance abuse.
Government Drug De-Addiction Centres See Increased Admissions
Mann said more people were approaching government-run de-addiction centres for treatment as confidence in the government’s support system increased.
According to the chief minister:
- The number of patients admitted to government de-addiction centres has increased approximately threefold in one year.
- More than 40,000 patients have received treatment at these centres.
- Treatment is provided free of charge at government de-addiction centres.
- Skill development and sports training have been introduced at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to support recovery.
- Since March 2025, skill training has been provided at de-addiction centres in 21 districts.
The initiatives aim to help people recovering from addiction rebuild their lives, develop practical skills and reduce the risk of returning to substance abuse.
‘Soorme’ Initiative to Recognise People Who Have Remained Drug-Free
The chief minister also highlighted the ‘Soorme’ initiative, launched this year to recognise people who have remained drug-free for two years.
Mann said these individuals were being encouraged to serve as role models and inspire others to pursue recovery and a drug-free life.
He also noted that the government’s drug prevention programme has involved approximately 7.5 lakh students, with the aim of protecting the next generation from substance abuse.
The chief minister appealed to young people to stay away from drugs and focus on education, sports and other positive activities.
Punjab Allocates ₹1,791 Crore for Sports Development
Emphasising the role of sports in keeping young people engaged in constructive activities, Mann said the state had significantly increased its sports budget.
Key sports development initiatives highlighted by the chief minister include:
- ₹1,791 crore allocated for sports.
- Around 3,100 rural sports grounds being developed.
- Approximately 3,000 gyms being prepared.
- Promotion of participation across different age groups through the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ sports programme.
Mann said sports help young people develop discipline, confidence and teamwork while creating opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
He also highlighted the participation of families across three generations in different age categories under the state’s sports initiative.
CM Highlights Punjab’s Contribution to Indian Sports
Mann referred to several prominent sportspersons from Punjab while emphasising the state’s contribution to Indian sports.
He mentioned:
- Shubman Gill, who is leading the Indian men’s cricket team.
- Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
- Harmanpreet Singh, associated with India’s gold-medal-winning hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan, as cited in the chief minister’s remarks.
- Pritpal Singh Brar, whose leadership in basketball was acknowledged by the chief minister.
Mann also paid tribute to sporting legends Milkha Singh, Dara Singh, Olympian Balbir Singh and Olympian Surjit Singh.
He said Punjab had the talent, determination and sporting tradition needed to produce champions and Olympians, adding that the government would continue working to provide opportunities for young athletes.
Punjab Government Plans World-Class Film City
Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to cinema and entertainment, Mann announced plans to establish a world-class film city equipped with modern facilities in Punjab.
According to the chief minister, the proposed project aims to strengthen the Punjabi entertainment industry and create new opportunities for artists and other professionals.
The announcement was part of the broader development initiatives mentioned during the event.
Mann Highlights Government Jobs and Welfare Schemes
The chief minister said the government was creating employment opportunities to channel young people’s energy into productive activities.
He stated that 70,885 government jobs had been provided on a merit basis, with an emphasis on transparency and fairness in recruitment.
Mann also highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving public welfare and infrastructure, including:
- Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana.
- Free electricity for eligible consumers under the state’s scheme.
- Aam Aadmi Clinics.
- Improvements in government school education.
- Better road infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
- Development initiatives focused on villages and rural communities.
He said years of neglect had deprived Punjab and its residents of opportunities, while the current government was seeking to expand access to public services and development programmes.
Film ‘Thappi’ Team and Other Dignitaries Attend Event
The campaign launch brought together public representatives and participants from different sections of society to promote awareness against drugs.
Actress Neeru Bajwa and the team of the film Thappi were acknowledged for joining the awareness effort. Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Concluding his address, Mann said the final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ would be carried forward with determination and public cooperation. He reiterated that the government aimed to make Punjab drug-free and build a safer, healthier and happier future for its residents.
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