‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign: Punjab Police’s 41-Day Crackdown Results in Over 5,600 Arrests and Major Drug Seizures
In a decisive move to eradicate drug trafficking, the Punjab Police’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has achieved remarkable success over its first 41 days. Launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the operation has led to the arrest of 5,621 individuals and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics.
Key Achievements of the Campaign:
- Arrests and Seizures: The campaign has resulted in the confiscation of 212 kg of heroin, 6,945 kg of poppy husk, 105 kg of opium, 50 kg of ganja, 6 kg of charas, and nearly 9 lakh banned tablets and capsules. Additionally, approximately ₹6 crore in drug money has been recovered, and illegal properties of 57 drug smugglers have been demolished.
- Operational Scale: Over 200 police teams, comprising more than 1,200 personnel and supervised by 86 gazetted officers, conducted raids at 452 locations across the state. This extensive operation led to the registration of 49 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the checking of 482 suspicious individuals.
- Cross-Border Smuggling Disruption: Intelligence reports indicate that the campaign has significantly disrupted drug smuggling operations, particularly those originating from Pakistan. Drug couriers are now reportedly hesitant to collect consignments dropped by Pakistani operatives, highlighting the campaign’s impact.
Government Initiatives and Future Plans:
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, leading a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee overseeing the campaign, emphasized the government’s commitment to a comprehensive strategy encompassing enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention. The administration has allocated approximately ₹980 crore to promote sports and divert youth from drug involvement. Additionally, the government has waived loans worth ₹70 crore for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, benefiting over 5,000 individuals.
Public Engagement and Awareness:
The campaign has evolved into a mass movement, with active participation from Panch-Sarpanchs, municipal councilors, and citizens. Awareness events, including camps, seminars, and public meetings, have been organized to educate the public about the detrimental effects of drugs and garner support for the initiative.
Conclusion:
The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign stands as a testament to Punjab’s unwavering commitment to combating the drug menace. Through coordinated law enforcement efforts, substantial seizures, and proactive public engagement, the state aims to restore peace and ensure a drug-free future for its citizens.