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.
Highlighting the role of sports in the fight against drugs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sports are among the most effective instruments for channelising the energy of young people towards constructive pursuits. “A healthy sporting culture inculcates discipline, teamwork, determination and a sense of purpose, while providing young people with positive alternatives to substance abuse. A playground can become the strongest defence against a drug den as sports field gives our youth a goal to pursue, a team to belong to and a dream to fulfil,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that his government wants the young people to carry sports kits in their hands, medals around their necks and pride in their hearts, rather than fall prey to drugs. “Our government is promoting sports infrastructure and opportunities at the grassroots level so that talent could flourish in villages, towns and cities alike. The objective is not merely to produce champions for national and international competitions but also to build a healthier, more confident and drug-free generation,” he affirmed.
Referring to the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the sports festival has emerged as a powerful platform for bringing people together and encouraging participation across age groups. “Three generations are participating together, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports among children, young people and senior citizens. Such initiatives are helping revive Punjab’s traditional sporting spirit while strengthening social bonds and promoting a culture of fitness and discipline,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged families to encourage their children to participate in sports and asked community organisations, educational institutions and village-level bodies to make playgrounds vibrant centres of positive activity. “When grandparents, parents and children participate in sports together, they are not merely playing a game but building a healthier society and strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together. This is the Punjab that we want to build, a Punjab where young people are recognised for their talent, hard work and achievements,” he said.
Inviting sports lovers and citizens from across the state to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from October 27 to November 5, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hosting major sporting events is an opportunity to celebrate Punjab’s glorious sporting legacy and inspire the next generation.
The Chief Minister urged people to come forward in large numbers and encourage the participating teams, adding that Punjab had always been synonymous with courage, perseverance and sporting excellence. “Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey and other sports has been immense, and the government is committed to restoring the state’s position at the forefront of the sporting world. Sports have played a stellar role in shaping Punjab’s identity, and the government will continue to provide opportunities for budding athletes to showcase their abilities,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the sporting spirit of Punjab will help unite people across communities and strengthen the collective resolve to defeat drugs.
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Lauding the stellar role of Punjab Police, he also said that the force had scripted history through its achievements in challenging circumstances and will rise to the occasion once again in the war against drugs. “Punjab Police has demonstrated its mettle on numerous occasions in the past, and I am confident that the officers and personnel will write another remarkable chapter by dismantling the drug networks operating in the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the fight of the Punjab government is against those who destroy lives and undermine the future of our youth. He called upon police personnel and other officials to discharge their duties honestly, impartially and without any fear or favour. “The government stands firmly behind officers who act professionally, uphold the law and work in the public interest,” he said.
Referring to the unfortunate incident in Mansa, the Chief Minister said that the matter will be dealt with firmly and that those found responsible will face exemplary punishment in accordance with the law. He asserted that every relevant aspect of the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that the conspiracy, if established by the investigation, will be exposed. “No individual involved in wrongdoing will be allowed to escape accountability. Every relevant aspect of the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and any conspiracy established during the investigation will be exposed,” he affirmed.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also cautioned against allowing such incidents to weaken the resolve of those working sincerely for the welfare of society. “The law will take its course, and justice will be ensured, adding that those responsible for the incident will not be spared, and every effort will be made to uncover the truth behind it,” he added.
“The officers must perform their duties honestly and fearlessly, knowing that the government expects integrity, accountability and dedication from every public servant,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the achievements of Punjab in the field of school education, asserting that the state was emerging as a frontrunner through sustained reforms and a renewed focus on quality education. “Investment in education is an investment in the future of Punjab, enabling children from ordinary families to aspire to greater heights,” he said.
He said that the government is committed to strengthening educational institutions, improving learning outcomes and ensuring that students received opportunities to excel irrespective of their social or economic background.
The Chief Minister further said that a combination of quality education, sporting opportunities and a sustained campaign against drugs can transform the lives of young people. “Punjab’s future depends on empowering its youth with education, employment opportunities, sporting facilities and a drug-free environment,” he said.
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.
