Punjab CM defends state anti-drug campaign amid central criticism

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has accused the central government of unfairly defaming the state regarding the drug menace. While reviewing the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign at the Punjab Police Academy, Mann argued that drug issues are widespread in other regions like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. He urged the Centre to focus on curbing cross-border supply and drug seizures at ports, noting that the Border Security Force operates within a 50-km belt along the border under central jurisdiction.

To combat the issue, the Punjab Police has conducted over 39,000 public meetings as part of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025. This outreach includes more than 10,600 meetings with students at educational institutions to promote awareness and healthy lifestyles.

DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav emphasized a ‘whole-of-society approach,’ stating that enforcement alone cannot win the fight and that community partnership is essential for lasting success. Mann declared that the state police have complete freedom to act against traffickers without political interference.