Aman Arora Declares Punjab Will Not Rest Until Drug Menace is Eradicated, Boosting ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign
Punjab Government Intensifies War on Drugs, Vows to Eradicate Menace: Aman Arora
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, March 6 – Punjab’s ongoing battle against drugs has taken a more aggressive turn, with Cabinet Minister Aman Arora asserting that the Punjab government will not rest until the drug menace is eradicated completely. Speaking during a meeting with civil and police officials on Thursday, Arora emphasized that drug peddlers must either surrender or face severe consequences as part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ initiative launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The campaign, which has gained significant momentum, seeks to destroy the narcotics trade in Punjab and free the state from drug abuse.
Arora, who is also a member of the high-level Cabinet Sub Committee to combat drug trafficking, expressed his confidence in the Punjab Police and their ability to tackle drug peddling and smuggling effectively. He highlighted the critical role of the public’s support in achieving a drug-free state, urging citizens to assist law enforcement by reporting drug-related activities.
Swift Action and Impressive Results: Punjab Police’s Success So Far
From March 1 to 4, Punjab Police registered 580 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases and nominated 789 individuals in connection with the crimes. The raids conducted during this period led to the seizure of 170 kilograms of drugs, including heroin and other narcotics. Additionally, 60 demolitions of properties linked to drug activities were carried out across the state, marking a significant blow to the criminal networks that fuel the drug trade in Punjab.
Arora reaffirmed that the government has empowered the police with a free hand to take action against drug peddlers and smugglers, underscoring the ‘zero tolerance’ policy against narcotics. He declared that no drug peddler will be allowed to operate freely in the state, and authorities will pursue aggressive tactics to dismantle these networks.
A Call to Action: Public and Institutional Support for Anti-Drug Campaign
Minister Aman Arora urged citizens to actively participate in the anti-drug movement, offering tips on drug peddlers or suspicious activities to the police. He further directed the Health Department to intensify checks on chemist shops and clinics that might be aiding or enabling the distribution of drugs, including prescription-based narcotics.
Meanwhile, several elected officials, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjiv Arora and MLAs from various regions, expressed their commitment to supporting the campaign. These leaders assured full cooperation in the fight against drugs, reinforcing that the initiative is a statewide effort, bringing together law enforcement, political representatives, and the public.
Strengthening Prevention and Rehabilitation Efforts
In addition to the crackdown on drug dealers, the Punjab government is focusing on prevention and rehabilitation to address the root causes of drug abuse. Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation centers, including plans to upgrade Kapoor Hospital into a modern facility specializing in drug rehabilitation.
Arora also shared that the state government has partnered with NGOs, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. A mass awareness campaign is being rolled out, including marathons, social media campaigns, and educational talks in schools to sensitively educate the public, especially the youth.
Punjab Police Cracks Down on Major Drug Smuggling Operations
Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal and senior police officers from Ludhiana and Khanna districts briefed Arora about the ongoing police actions, noting that substantial progress is being made. The Punjab Police has successfully frozen properties worth crores of rupees linked to drug peddlers and demolished illegal encroachments. Moreover, the “big fish” of the narcotic trade are being arrested regularly, with authorities determined to dismantle their entire networks.
Arora reiterated that this crackdown is just the beginning, and the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign will continue relentlessly. He made it clear that those involved in the drug trade, from street-level peddlers to large-scale traffickers, will face serious legal consequences.
Empowering the Community: A Comprehensive Approach to Drug Eradication
Commissioner of Police Chahal and SSP Ludhiana Rural Dr. Ankur Gupta also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat drug abuse, involving law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, and public education. According to Dr. Pradeep Kumar Mohindra, the Civil Surgeon, Punjab has 46 OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) centers, which serve 20-40 patients daily. These centers are vital in helping individuals recover from addiction and reintegrate into society.
In addition to medical and rehabilitation efforts, Arora highlighted that the state is working on creating job opportunities and skill development programs for individuals recovering from addiction, giving them the tools to rebuild their lives and avoid falling back into drug abuse.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Fight Against the Drug Menace
As the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign continues to gain momentum, it is clear that Punjab’s leaders and law enforcement are united in their determination to rid the state of drugs. With a robust strategy encompassing prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, Punjab is showing its commitment to eradicating the drug menace.
Arora’s words resonate strongly: “We will not rest until Punjab is free from the scourge of drugs.” With widespread support from the public and various stakeholders, the Punjab government’s mission to create a drug-free state is gaining ground.