The Punjab government has escalated its war on narcotics with the official launch of the second phase of its flagship initiative, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. The multi-pronged strategy, unveiled on Wednesday, aims to decisively dismantle drug networks across the state by massively scaling up community involvement.
An Army of Village Guardians
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, present at the launch event near Jalandhar, announced that a formidable force of over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'Pind De Pehredar', has been mobilized. These volunteers form the backbone of newly strengthened Village Defence Committees (VDCs), which will work in tandem with the police and administration.
"We have brought together 10 to 20 people from each village to form these committees," Kejriwal stated. The volunteers have undergone training and will act as the eyes and ears on the ground, providing crucial information about drug peddlers operating in their localities.
Tech Tools and Transparency
To empower these volunteers and ensure anonymity, a dedicated mobile application will be installed on their phones. This app will enable them to securely report details about drug sellers, sources, and locations. Kejriwal emphasized that the Chief Minister's Office will directly monitor the action taken on intelligence provided by the public.
He issued a stern warning, asserting that strict action would be taken against any government official or police personnel found complicit in the drug trade. To further widen participation, a missed-call number 9899-100002 has been launched, allowing citizens to register their villages for the movement, promising follow-up from the chief minister's team.
Building on First Phase Success
Referring to the campaign's first phase, which began on March 1 last year, Kejriwal highlighted significant achievements. He reported that the initial phase resulted in 28,000 cases registered against peddlers, 42,000 arrests, and an impressive conviction rate of 88%. Properties of traffickers were also demolished, and key "big fish" were imprisoned.
Kejriwal contrasted his government's approach with previous administrations, alleging that drugs proliferated under the Shiromani Akali Dal rule and that the subsequent Congress government under Captain Amarinder Singh failed to act. He also claimed that while drugs are an issue in states like Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, only Punjab has declared an all-out war.
A Mass Movement for a Drug-Free Future
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing the gathering alongside senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and state ministers, stressed that government action alone is insufficient. "Only a mass movement can eradicate drugs," he declared, assuring the public that he would not rest until the menace is completely uprooted.
The campaign will see extensive public engagement through padyatras (foot marches) across the state between January 10 and 30. A large gathering of all 1.5 lakh 'Pind De Pehredar' is scheduled for February 13. Kejriwal also underscored the critical need for rehabilitation, stating that those addicted to drugs must be helped to recover.
In a notable claim, Kejriwal stated that for the first time, the Punjab government used its own funds to purchase anti-drone systems to combat the smuggling of drugs from Pakistan via drones, instead of waiting for central assistance. He expressed confidence that the second phase would consolidate past gains and script a new success story for Punjab.
