Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the Bhagwant Mann-led government had intensified its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, by mobilising public participation, cracking down on drug smugglers and focusing on the rehabilitation of people affected by addiction.

Goyal said more than 1.26 lakh members had been mobilised through ward and village security committees across the state to strengthen the campaign at the grassroots level. He added that thousands of drug smugglers had been arrested and properties allegedly acquired through the illegal drug trade demolished.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said the government was targeting the entire drug supply chain to dismantle trafficking networks and curb the illegal trade.

Targeting opposition parties, Goyal accused them of indulging in political rhetoric and attempting to malign Punjab instead of acknowledging the government's efforts. He claimed that the state was performing better than opposition-ruled states in maintaining law and order and controlling drugs.

Comparing the Mann government's approach with that of previous governments, Goyal said his government was focusing on sustained action rather than symbolic marches and promises to eliminate drugs within 10 to 12 days. He reiterated that the campaign aimed to make Punjab drug-free through strict enforcement, public participation and rehabilitation.