Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign: A Statewide Effort to Combat Drug Abuse
Chandigarh, May 3, 2025 — The Punjab government’s ambitious anti-drug initiative, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh,’ has reached a decisive stage, with active participation from every village and ward across the state. Cabinet Ministers and MLAs are leading awareness drives, urging citizens to join the movement and transform it into a people-led initiative.
Cabinet Ministers and MLAs Lead Awareness Drives
In a statewide mobilization effort, five Cabinet Ministers, including Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hardeep Singh Mundia, Gurmeet Singh Khudiya, and Barinder Kumar Goyal, along with 16 MLAs, other political dignitaries, and civil and police administration officials, held meetings across multiple districts. They urged citizens to join the movement and transform it into a people-led initiative.
Condemnation of Previous Governments
During a high-impact event in Mansa, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned previous state governments for their failure to curb drug trafficking. He accused the then-ruling parties of engaging in divisive and family-based politics rather than addressing real issues. He emphasized that the Mann government has already taken concrete steps to suppress drug circulation and is now waging a final battle to eliminate the scourge altogether.
Community Engagement and Vigilance
In Tarn Taran, at the ‘Pinda de Pehredar’ program, Cabinet Ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with MLAs Amansher Singh Kalsi, Sarwan Singh Dhun, and Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal, emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been given full autonomy to take swift action against drug traffickers. They urged citizens to spread awareness and report drug trade activities, reinforcing community vigilance.
Commitment to Eliminate Drug Abuse
At a district-level Village Defence Committee meeting held at Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond declared that drug abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances in Punjab. He also emphasized the strict prevention of the looting of the state’s water resources. He, along with MLAs Lakhbir Singh Rai, Rupinder Singh Happy, and Gurinder Singh Gary Baring, administered an oath to the members of the Village Defence Committees to eradicate drugs and encouraged them to work with full commitment.
Strong Warning to Drug Traffickers
Meanwhile, in Ludhiana, Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundia, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, Madan Lal Bagga, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Hakam Singh Thekedar, and Sarabjit Kaur Manuke sent a stern warning to drug traffickers, stating that they should either abandon the trade or leave Punjab. The crackdown will continue with unrelenting force.
Rallying Support for a Brighter Future
At a gathering in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, alongside Chief Whip Prof. Baljinder Kaur, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, and Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, rallied people to align with the government’s mission. They stressed that eliminating drug abuse is pivotal to securing a brighter future for Punjab’s youth, ensuring they have opportunities for growth and success.
Conclusion
The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has evolved into a mass movement, with over 3,000 panchayats across Punjab passing resolutions to support the fight against drug abuse. The active involvement of Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and the community underscores the state’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and securing a healthier future for its citizens.