On the sacred occasion of Dussehra, a unique effigy burned on the land of Punjab—one that turned not just paper and bamboo into ashes, but also symbolically consumed the years of pain suffered by thousands of families. On the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police, along with the effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, raised another terrifying demon—the “Demon of Drugs.” This effigy burning was not just a government program, but an emotional outcry of the police against the destruction of Punjab’s youth.
When the fire engulfed this fourth and most dreadful effigy in Jalandhar and other parts of the state, it was far more than a religious ritual—it was a reflection of the emotional storm within the police force. For officers who watch young lives destroyed by drugs every day, this act felt like nothing less than a declaration of war. One senior police officer, overwhelmed with emotion, said: “As the effigy burned, it felt like a heavy burden from our hearts was being lifted. Every day we fight this demon—sometimes by arresting traffickers, sometimes by taking addicts to hospitals. But this monster rises again. Today, we have symbolically vowed that this fire will not die out—it will burn until the entire drug network is reduced to ashes.”
This creative and impactful initiative of the Mann Government proved that Punjab Police is no longer just an enforcing agency, but also an emotional shield protecting society. Just as Ravan’s effigy burns to mark Lord Ram’s victory, today the burning of the “Demon of Drugs” marks the beginning of a new, drug-free Punjab. The responsibility now lies with every citizen—to keep this flame alive until every last trace of drugs is erased from this sacred land.
This symbolic burning is an emotional extension of the Mann Government’s “War Against Drugs” campaign. Beyond symbolism, the police have already arrested thousands of traffickers in recent months, demolished their illegal properties with bulldozers, and seized heroin worth crores. All this proves that this battle is not limited to slogans. Today, every citizen of Punjab sees their hope in this burning effigy. This fire stands as testimony to the police’s unwavering resolve and the collective dream of reviving Punjab into a vibrant, drug-free Rangla Punjab.
