Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ from the historic land of Chapparchiri, flagging off a bikers’ rally across all 23 districts to turn the fight against drugs into a people’s movement. Declaring that Punjab would not allow drugs to be sold even secretly, he called upon every Punjabi to join the decisive battle to eradicate the menace, protect the future of the State’s youth and restore Punjab’s lost glory. With suggestion and complaint boxes accompanying the rally and the team of film Thaapi joining the awareness drive, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged young people to shun drugs permanently and embrace education and sports, while holding previous BJP, Akali and Congress governments responsible for spreading drugs and diminishing Punjab’s glory.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Flagged off the bike rallies from the historic land of Chapparchiri today, marking the launch of the final phase of the ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’. The fight against drugs is not just the responsibility of the government or the police. We must all come together and turn it into a people’s movement. Heartfelt thanks to actress Neeru Bajwa Ji, the team of the film Thaapi, and all those who care deeply about Punjab for joining this campaign. Punjab is the land of Gurus, saints, martyrs, sportspersons and brave military generals. Let us unite to make our Punjab drug-free and restore its glory as Rangla Punjab. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The launch of the final phase from the historic land of Chapparchiri carries immense significance, as it is associated with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’s historic struggle against injustice and tyranny. The same spirit of courage, sacrifice and determination will guide Punjab in its battle against drugs.”
The Chief Minister stated, “The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ cannot be won by the government alone and requires the united strength of every Punjabi. The State Government has launched an uncompromising offensive against the drug menace, and I appeal to people from all walks of life to become active participants in this campaign. This fight is not merely against drug traffickers but also about protecting the lives, dignity and future of Punjab’s younger generation,” he said.
He said, “The bikers’ rally will travel across all 23 districts of Punjab, taking the message against drugs to villages, towns and communities. A dedicated vehicle will accompany the rally to collect public feedback and suggestions for the welfare and development of the State. This initiative will strengthen public participation and spread awareness at the grassroots level, making the anti-drug campaign a collective movement.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “A complaint box will also be available during the rally for people to report drug traffickers or share information about them. The objective is to visit villages and towns, raise awareness about drug abuse and encourage affected individuals to seek treatment. The participating bikers are ambassadors of ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’, serving society through this noble initiative.”
Appealing to the people, the Chief Minister said, “These bikers have set out carrying a message of courage, hope and a brighter future. I urge people to share information about drug traffickers through the designated Safe Punjab helpline.”
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to dismantle drug-smuggling networks, he said, “Anti-drone systems have been deployed along the borders to detect and intercept drones used for transporting drugs from across the border. The government is strengthening efforts to check cross-border drug smuggling and protect Punjab’s youth from this menace.”
He said, “Punjab is the sacred land of Guru Sahiban, saints and seers. We cannot allow drugs to destroy the future of our children. The government is committed to eradicating this menace through firm action and the active participation of the people.”
Highlighting employment generation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have provided 70,885 government jobs purely on merit, ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment. Employment generation is an important pillar of our efforts to channelise the energy of young people towards constructive and productive pursuits.”
Taking a dig at previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Years of neglect deprived Punjab and its people of opportunities. Our government is working to reverse this through people-centric policies, accountable governance and development initiatives that directly benefit ordinary families.”
He highlighted initiatives including the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, free electricity, Aam Aadmi Clinics, improved school education, world-class road infrastructure, quality healthcare facilities and playgrounds in villages, saying these reflected the government’s commitment to building a modern, prosperous and progressive Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Around 15,000 Village and Ward Defence Committees have been formed to eradicate drugs from every village and town. Around 1.25 lakh members of these committees are working as anti-drug volunteers.”
He said, “More than 81,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, 3,900 kg of heroin and 983 kg of opium have been seized, and the conviction rate in drug-trafficking cases has reached 89%.”
The Chief Minister added, “A total of 51,979 citizens have provided information through the Safe Punjab helpline, leading to 25,339 arrests. Information provided by Village Defence Committees has resulted in more than 4,000 FIRs and 5,000 arrests. Under ‘Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh’, the Punjab Police has conducted more than 75,000 public meetings in 17 months.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The confidence of people affected by drug addiction in the government has increased, encouraging them to approach de-addiction centres to overcome their addiction. Admissions at government de-addiction centres have nearly tripled in one year, and treatment is provided entirely free of cost. More than 40,000 patients have been admitted to these centres.”
He added, “Skill development and sports training have been introduced at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres to help recovering youth rebuild their lives and prevent relapse. Since March 2025, skill training has been provided at de-addiction centres in 21 districts.”
Referring to the ‘Soorme’ initiative launched earlier this year, he said, “Young people who have remained drug-free for two years are being honoured through this initiative. These individuals are now serving as role models and guiding others towards a drug-free life.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Around 7.5 lakh students have been covered under the drug-prevention programme to protect the next generation from the menace of drugs. I appeal to all young people to give up drugs permanently and embrace education and sports.”
He said the sports budget had been substantially increased to encourage young people to participate in sporting activities, with ₹1,791 crore allocated for sports. He added that 3,100 rural sports grounds and 3,000 gyms were being developed.
Emphasising the role of sports in combating drug abuse, the Chief Minister said, “‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ has revolutionised the sporting culture of the State by encouraging participation across age groups, with three generations of families competing in various categories. Sports provide young people with positive direction, discipline and opportunities to excel at national and international levels.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann referred to Shubman Gill’s leadership of the Indian men’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur’s role as captain of the national women’s cricket team, and Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership of India’s gold medal-winning hockey team at the recently concluded Asian Games in Japan.
He said, “Nine of the 11 players in the Indian hockey team were from Punjab. We also acknowledge Preetpal Singh Brar’s leadership in basketball.”
Recalling Punjab’s sporting legacy, he paid tribute to Milkha Singh, Dara Singh, Olympian Balbir Singh and Olympian Surjit Singh.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has the talent, determination and sporting tradition needed to produce champions and Olympians. The government is committed to nurturing this legacy and providing young people with opportunities to excel.”
Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to cinema, the Chief Minister announced that a world-class film city equipped with modern amenities was being planned in the State.
He said, “The proposed project will strengthen the Punjabi entertainment industry and create fresh opportunities for artists and professionals.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The cleaning and rejuvenation of village ponds through the Seechewal and Thapar models are important steps towards sustainable rural development.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting religious sentiments, he said, “Legislation has been enacted to prescribe exemplary punishment, including life imprisonment without parole, for sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The government is committed to upholding the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, protecting the religious sentiments of the people and ensuring stringent action against such offences.”
Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The final phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’ will be pursued with determination and public participation. We will leave no stone unturned in our mission to free Punjab from drugs and build a safe, healthy and prosperous future for its people.”
Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh and others were also present on the occasion.
