Traditional political parties must clarify whether they stand with or against drug traffickers” – CM throws down the gauntle
Ludhiana, August 4: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign in the state has reached its final phase. The newly formed Defence Committees in villages and cities will uproot drug trafficking from the state.
Addressing the members of these Defence Committees, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government launched the campaign on February 4 this year and has achieved major success in eliminating the root of the drug problem. He added that the backbone of the drug supply chain has been entirely broken. Bhagwant Singh Mann profusely thanked the people of Punjab for their enthusiastic support in this noble mission to save the future generations.
Punjab Forms Village Defence Committees to Lead War Against Drugs
The Chief Minister said that to keep villages and cities drug-free in the future, the government has formed Defence Committees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is fully confident that these defence committees will act as generals in this war against drugs and safeguard our villages and cities. We have dreamt of making Punjab vibrant again. With your cooperation, no power in the world can stop us from realizing this dream, he added.
The Chief Minister pledged to restore Punjab’s pride, honour, and self-respect, and assured that he would leave no stone unturned to achieve it. Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that the government would form each Village or Ward Defence Committee with four core members: the village sarpanch or ward councillor, a representative from the anti-drug campaign, the BDPO or their representative, and the SHO or their representative.He added that each committee would include 10 to 20 members based on the population, and the authorities would select only individuals with clean records and good reputations—such as retired army personnel, teachers, and village headmen.
Punjab Launches 24/7 Anti-Drug Committees with ID Cards, Rehab Support, and Village Rewards
The Chief Minister categorically said that the local SDM will officially notify each committee and issue special government ID cards to the committee members. He said that it will facilitate communication with the administration regarding drug-related information or anti-drug activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Villages and wards will have 24/7 surveillance to ensure no trafficker dares to operate.
The Chief Minister envisioned that committee members will assist in drug rehabilitation efforts. They will also help reintegrate former addicts into society. He stated that any village or ward achieving 100% drug-free status will receive formal recognition. They will also receive certificates of appreciation from the government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these committees will raise awareness through street plays. They will also use door-to-door campaigns. Additionally, schools will conduct awareness programs for children.
The Chief Minister noted that officials have already held more than 10,000 village-level meetings. Many Panchayats have passed resolutions to declare their villages drug-free. Bhagwant Singh Mann blamed traditional political parties for dragging Punjab into the swamp of drug addiction. He said that the current government is forced to launch such extensive campaigns. These campaigns aim to wipe out this stigma. “If the previous governments had restrained drug traffickers, we wouldn’t need to conduct such programs today. Governments usually form development committees—not defence committees, he added.
Mann Slams Traditional Parties for Shielding Drug Accused, Reveals New Evidence
The Chief Minister said that the state government has had to form these committees to fight the war against drug dealers. He said that while the incumbent state government is fighting them, traditional parties were collaborating with them. These parties were offering them protection. Bhagwant Singh Mann targeted leaders of traditional parties. They supported a former Akali minister currently in Nabha jail on drug charges. Mann expressed shock that Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly speaking in his favour.
The Chief Minister said that this exposes the collusion between traditional political parties. He added that when in power, they’ve covered up each other’s wrongdoings. He once again challenged them. They need to make it clear to the people of Punjab. Are they with the drug traffickers or against them? Bhagwant Singh Mann also revealed that investigators have found important evidence against the jailed former Akali minister and will present it in court.
Punjab to Repair 20,000 km of Roads After Monsoon, Highlights Major AAP Achievements
The Chief Minister made another major announcement. He said that after the monsoon season ends, the government will begin extensive repair work. They will work on 20,000 km of link roads across the state. He described these roads as Punjab’s economic lifelines. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party government’s achievements over the past three and a half years. He said that many pro-people decisions have been made. For the first time, canal water is reaching the tail ends of fields. This is resolving irrigation issues. He further said that over 55,000 government jobs have been given solely on merit. Closing several toll plazas across the state is saving Punjabis ₹64 lakh daily. This provides a major economic relief.
During the event, identification cards were officially distributed to Defence Committee members.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, and other dignitaries were also present.
