The North News
Chandigarh, March 18
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has announced a large-scale campaign to combat drug abuse in Punjab, calling on citizens to join a mass movement starting April 1. Speaking at a public rally in Mohali’s Indoor Stadium today, Kejriwal pledged to dismantle drug networks and hold past administrations accountable for their alleged complicity in the crisis.
He asserted that over three crore Punjabis would unite against the drug trade, which he blamed for devastating generations. As part of the initiative, AAP workers will visit villages to raise awareness and curb narcotics use. Additionally, the government launched an anti-drug helpline (9779100200), allowing residents to report drug-related activities confidentially.
A statewide drug census will be conducted to assess the scale of substance abuse, with officials surveying households in both urban and rural areas. While victims’ identities will remain protected, the government plans rehabilitation efforts, including building sports facilities to provide alternative activities for the youth.
Kejriwal also announced the recruitment of 5,000 Home Guards to bolster security in border districts and curb cross-border drug trafficking. He accused past governments of protecting drug cartels, along with sand, transport, and cable mafias, for personal gain. The AAP leader vowed to prosecute high-profile figures involved in the illegal drug trade and seize their assets.
Additionally, he revealed plans to deploy anti-drone technology to prevent drug smuggling from Pakistan, claiming that 70% of Punjab’s drugs originate across the border. He linked recent grenade attacks to attempts by “anti-national forces” to destabilize Punjab, vowing strict countermeasures.
Beyond drug enforcement, Kejriwal highlighted ongoing governance reforms, including the renovation of Ludhiana’s civil hospital, anti-corruption efforts in land registries, and the expansion of the state’s healthcare scheme through the issuance of Sehat cards.
Declaring this initiative as a decisive battle against drugs, Kejriwal assured that Punjab’s AAP government would not tolerate criminal networks or political interference in law enforcement.
