Yudh Nashean Virudh Phase 2 launched in Punjab with CM Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal; 43,000 arrests and 87% convictions pave way for people-led anti-drug fight.

Over 30,000 cases, 43,000 arrests, and a record 87-88% conviction rate highlight Phase 1; ‘Pind De Pehredar‘ will spearhead the zero-tolerance push in Phase 2. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has stepped up its crackdown on the drug trade with the formal commencement of Phase 2 of its signature campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’. Moving beyond large-scale enforcement, the new phase puts villages and neighbourhoods at the center of the anti-drug struggle, transforming citizens into active participants in what the government refers to as a “people’s war on drugs.”

AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu stated that Phase 2 builds on the solid foundation created during Phase 1, which began on March 1, 2025. During this time, Punjab Police investigated 30,104 drug-related offenses and arrested 43,437 suspects. Massive seizures were also made, including 1,886 kg of heroin, 603 kg of opium, and more than 27,000 kg of poppy husk. Most importantly, drug conviction rates increased to a remarkable 87-88 percent, indicating improved investigations and coordinated prosecution.

ਅੱਜ ਫਗਵਾੜਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੂਬੇ ‘ਚੋਂ ਨਸ਼ੇ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਾਤਮੇ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤੀ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ‘ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ’ ਦੇ ਦੂਜੇ ਪੜਾਅ ਦਾ ਕੌਮੀ ਕਨਵੀਨਰ @ArvindKejriwal ਜੀ ਨਾਲ ਉਦਘਾਟਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਐਪ ਅਤੇ ‘ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਦੇ ਪਹਿਰੇਦਾਰ’ ਮਿਸਡ ਕਾਲ ਨੰਬਰ 9899-100002 ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਕੀਤੀ।

ਇਸ ਮੋਬਾਇਲ ਐਪ ਰਾਹੀਂ VDC ਮੈਂਬਰ ਆਪਣੇ… pic.twitter.com/JGznR2SIEb

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 7, 2026

Pannu explained the strategy, stating that the campaign was designed as a combat operation. Punjab was divided into zones, with designated teams at the district, ward, and village levels. The Nasha Mukti Morcha assisted with door-to-door outreach and local mobilisation to guarantee that no area went unnoticed. Along with strict action against smugglers, the government aimed to change social attitudes by encouraging people to support recovery rather than stigmatizing drug addicts.

Also read : Kejriwal, CM Bhagwant Mann Launch Phase II of Yudh Nashean Virudh, Call for Mass Public Participation

De-addiction facilities were renovated with better medications, testing facilities, and infrastructure. Innovative rehabilitation approaches were implemented, including skill training programs at de-addiction centers, allowing recovered addicts to reconnect with their livelihoods and avoid relapse.

Phase 2, started at Lovely Professional University in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, focuses on zero tolerance for drug peddlers through community vigilance. This phase is centered on the ‘Pind De Pehredar‘ (Village Guardians), a volunteer army that has already expanded to between 1.25 lakh and 1.5 lakh members across Punjab.

To enable these volunteers, the government has established a dedicated mobile app that allows registered guardians to anonymously report drug sellers. The information will be delivered immediately to the Chief Minister and the DGP, ensuring a timely inquiry and response while fully protecting the informer’s identity. A missed-call service has also been implemented to enable more folks to simply join the movement.

Pannu described it as a watershed moment, claiming that united resolve will render drug dealing unsustainable in Punjab. “This is not only the government’s fight. “It is a people’s war, and together we will make Punjab drug-free,” he declared.