Become ‘Generals’ in the War Against Drugs: CM Mann to Defence Committee Members
Ludhiana, August 4,
-
Identification Cards Distributed to Defence Committee Members
-
Commitment to Restore Punjab’s Pride, Honour, and Self-Respect
-
Challenge to Traditional Political Parties: Clarify Stance on Drug Traffickers
-
Key Evidence Against Jailed Political Leader in Nabha Jail to Be Presented in Court
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the state’s ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign is in its final phase, with newly formed Defence Committees in villages and cities set to eradicate drug trafficking from Punjab.
Launch of Defence Committees
Addressing members during the inauguration of Village and Ward Defence Committees in Ludhiana, CM Mann highlighted that the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign, launched on February 4, 2025, has significantly disrupted the drug supply chain, achieving major success in tackling the drug menace. He expressed gratitude to Punjab’s citizens for their enthusiastic support in this mission to safeguard future generations.
CM Mann emphasized that Defence Committees have been established to ensure villages and cities remain drug-free. “I have full confidence that you will act as generals in this war against drugs, protecting our villages and cities. We dream of making Punjab vibrant again, and with your support, no force can stop us,” he told the committee members, pledging to restore Punjab’s pride, honour, and self-respect.
watch…..CM Mann Announces 200 New Aam Aadmi Clinics to Enhance Healthcare Access Across the State
Structure and Role of Defence Committees
The Chief Minister outlined that each Village or Ward Defence Committee will be formed by a four-member panel comprising the village sarpanch or ward councillor, a representative from the anti-drug campaign, the BDPO or their representative, and the SHO or their representative. These committees will have 10 to 20 members based on population, prioritizing individuals with impeccable records, such as retired army personnel, teachers, and village headmen.
Each committee will be notified by the local SDM, and members will receive special government-issued ID cards to facilitate coordination with the administration for reporting drug-related information and conducting anti-drug activities. The committees will maintain 24/7 surveillance to deter traffickers, assist in drug rehabilitation programs, and support the reintegration of former addicts into society.
Recognition and Awareness Initiatives
CM Mann announced that villages or wards achieving 100% drug-free status will receive official recognition and certificates of appreciation. The committees will raise awareness through street plays and door-to-door campaigns, while schools will conduct programs to educate children. Over 10,000 village-level meetings have already been held, with many panchayats passing resolutions to declare their villages drug-free.
Critique of Traditional Political Parties
Blaming traditional political parties for plunging Punjab into the drug crisis, CM Mann criticized their inaction against traffickers, necessitating campaigns like ‘War Against Drugs’. He remarked, “If previous governments had curbed drug traffickers, we wouldn’t need such initiatives today. Governments typically form development committees, but we are compelled to create defence committees.”
Targeting leaders supporting a former Akali minister jailed in Nabha Jail on drug charges, CM Mann called out Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and BJP leaders Captain Amarinder Singh and Ravneet Singh Bittu for openly defending the accused. He accused these parties of colluding to shield each other’s wrongdoings when in power and challenged them to clarify whether they stand with or against drug traffickers. Mann revealed that significant evidence against the jailed leader has been uncovered and will be presented in court.
Additional Announcements
CM Mann announced that post-monsoon, the government will undertake extensive repairs of 20,000 km of link roads, vital to Punjab’s economy. Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s achievements over three and a half years, he noted that canal water now reaches field tail-ends, resolving irrigation issues, 55,000+ government jobs have been awarded on merit, and the closure of toll plazas saves Punjabis ₹64 lakh daily, providing substantial economic relief.
Event Highlights
During the event, CM Mann distributed identification cards 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 present.
