The North News
Chandigarh, May 2
The Punjab government has declared an intensified campaign against drug abuse, framing it as a grassroots movement aimed at reclaiming the future of the state’s youth. Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, speaking at an anti-drug event at the Majestic Resort in Moga, described the campaign as a war being fought “by the people, for the people” — with village defence committees leading the charge.
The initiative, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration, focuses on transforming the fight against drugs into a people’s movement. “We are taking this yatra (march) into every village and every ward,” Mundian said, adding that the aim is to rebuild a “Rangla Punjab” — a vibrant, prosperous Punjab free from the grip of addiction. A key element of the strategy is the formation of nigrani committees or local village guards, whom Mundian called an “army of warriors”. These grassroots groups are expected to work with law enforcement to track down and deter drug peddlers, while also raising awareness about the consequences of drug use.
“The youth were betrayed,” said Mundian, blaming previous state governments for colluding with drug smugglers and offering them political protection. “Today, there is no political pressure on the police. Drug peddlers are being jailed and we are cleaning the filth left behind.”
He reiterated the chief minister’s stark warning to traffickers: “Stop selling drugs or leave Punjab.”
During the event, Mundian administered an anti-drug pledge to local leaders, including village heads, ward members, and defence committee representatives. In a symbolic show of unity, a large crowd stood with flags in hand, voicing their support for the state’s anti-drug mission. A street play staged by the IPTA group drove home the social and psychological toll of addiction.
The event also carried political overtones, as Mundian reminded the audience of the government’s determination to defend Punjab’s broader interests, including its ongoing water dispute. A special session of the Vidhan Sabha is scheduled for 5 May to address concerns over water sharing.
Joining Mundian at the event were MLAs Prof Baljinder Kaur, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Davinderjit Singh Ladi Dhos, and Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, alongside Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Chani, SSP Ajay Gandhi, and ADC (General) Charumita.
