Phillaur | Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today stressed that eradicating drugs is the top priority of the state government. He announced that the Punjab Police has full freedom to take strict action against drug peddlers without any political interference. While reviewing the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, he announced to provide 117 new vehicles to DSPs to further intensify the action against drugs and called for making this fight against drugs a people’s movement.
In a scathing attack on the central government, the Chief Minister said that while drugs are being sold in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, Punjab is being deliberately targeted and Punjabis are being defamed. He appealed to the central government to stop the influx of drugs through the international border and Gujarat instead of defaming Punjab. Along with this, he reiterated that the killers of a social activist in Mansa will also be given strict punishment.
Posting on ‘X’, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann wrote, “Today, participated in the review meeting of the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur and had important discussions with senior police officers. The fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the police alone. It will have to be made a people’s movement. We have given full freedom to the police to perform their duties without any recommendation or interference. To further strengthen the police department, we have today approved 117 new vehicles for DSPs (Deputy Police Commissioners/Superintendents of Police). We will never let the sacred land of Gurus and Pirs be tainted with the stain of drugs. Let us come together to create a ‘Rangla Punjab’ based on the principles of justice established by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Long live the revolution.”
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign has now taken the form of a mass movement aimed at securing the future of the state and its future generations. He said, “Drugs are not just a law and order challenge, but a serious social scourge that threatens the dreams, aspirations and lives of thousands of young Punjabis. The government is fully committed to dismantle the entire network of drugs and restore the glory of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said that this mission can achieve lasting success only when every citizen becomes an active partner in this collective struggle. He said, “The ‘war on drugs’ cannot be won by the police alone; rather, it has to be a people’s movement, in which every family, every village, every locality and every responsible citizen stands together against this scourge. The future of Punjab is at stake and we cannot remain a silent spectator.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “The Punjab government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to strictly deal with both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. The sustained action against drug traffickers has helped in breaking the supply chain and the government will continue to take strict action against those who push the youth of Punjab towards drugs.”
He clarified, “Drug addicts should not be considered just criminals, but rather seen as victims who need care, compassion, treatment, and a chance to get their lives back on track.”
The Chief Minister warned that those who profit by infusing the youth with drugs will not be spared. “Our support is needed to bring people trapped in drug addiction back to normal life, while those who poison our society for their selfish interests will have to face the consequences of the law. The state government will not allow drug peddlers to destroy the homes of ordinary Punjabis and escape accountability,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the government is determined to dismantle the network responsible for drug trafficking and ensure that the benefits of this operation reach every village and city. He appealed to the people to share information with the authorities without any fear and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
Highlighting the role of sports in the fight against drugs, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sports are the most effective means to channelize the energy of the youth in a constructive way. He said, “A healthy sports culture instills discipline, teamwork, determination among the youth, as well as gives them a constructive alternative to drugs. A playground can be the strongest shield against drug addiction because the playground gives our youth a goal, a team and a dream.”
The Chief Minister said that our government wants the youth to walk with sports kits in their hands, medals around their necks and pride in their hearts instead of falling prey to drugs. He said, “Our government is promoting sports infrastructure and opportunities at the grassroots level so that talent can flourish in villages, towns and cities. The aim is not only to produce champions for national and international competitions, but also to create a healthier, more confident and drug-free generation.”
Referring to the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ initiative, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this sports festival has emerged as a powerful platform to connect people. He said, “Three generations are participating in these games together, which shows the growing enthusiasm for sports among children, youth and senior citizens. Such initiatives are helping to revive the traditional sports spirit of Punjab, while strengthening social ties and promoting a culture of fitness and discipline.”
The Chief Minister appealed to families to encourage their children to participate in sports and urged community organizations, educational institutions and village-level organizations to make playgrounds vibrant hubs of positive activities. “When grandparents, parents and children participate in sports together, they are not just playing sports, they are also creating a healthy society and strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together. This is the Punjab we want to build, a Punjab where the youth are recognized for their talent, hard work and achievements,” he said.
Calling upon sports enthusiasts and citizens across the state to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hosting major sporting events is an opportunity to celebrate Punjab’s glorious sporting heritage and inspire the next generation.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to come forward in large numbers and encourage the participating teams and said that Punjab has always been a symbol of courage, determination and sporting success. He said, “Punjab’s contribution to Indian hockey and other sports has been immense and the government is committed to restoring Punjab to the forefront in the field of sports. Sports have played a great role in shaping the identity of Punjab and the government will continue to provide opportunities to the budding players to showcase their talent.”
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Punjab’s sporting spirit would help bring people from communities together and strengthen the collective resolve to defeat drugs.
Lauding the excellent role of Punjab Police, he also said that the police force has created history through its achievements in challenging circumstances and will once again rise to the occasion in the war against drugs. He said, “Punjab Police has proven its mettle on many occasions in the past and I am confident that the officers and jawans will write another memorable chapter by dismantling the drug networks operating in the state.”
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government’s fight is against those who do not care about lives and undermine the future of our youth. He called upon the police personnel and other officers to discharge their duties with honesty, impartiality and without any fear or favour. He said, “The government stands firmly with those officers who have acted professionally, followed the law and worked in the public interest.”
Referring to the Mansa incident, the Chief Minister said that the matter will be dealt with strictly and those found responsible will be given exemplary punishment as per the law. He stressed that every relevant aspect of the incident will be thoroughly investigated and if the investigation proves any conspiracy, it will be exposed. He affirmed, “No one involved in wrongdoing will be allowed to escape accountability. Every aspect of the incident will be thoroughly investigated and any conspiracy established during the investigation will be exposed.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such incidents will not be allowed to weaken the resolve of those working diligently for the welfare of the society. He added, “The law will take its course and justice will be ensured, those responsible for the incident will not be spared and every possible effort will be made to bring out the truth behind it.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Officers should perform their duties with honesty and fearlessness and the government expects honesty, accountability and dedication from every public servant.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted Punjab’s achievements in the field of school education, claiming that the state is emerging as a leader with continuous reforms and renewed focus on quality education. “Investment in education is an investment in Punjab’s future, enabling children from ordinary families to achieve great heights,” he said.
He said the government is committed to strengthening educational institutions, improving outcomes and ensuring that students have opportunities to advance regardless of their social or economic background.
The Chief Minister further said that the combination of quality education, sports opportunities and a sustained campaign against drugs can transform the lives of the youth. “The future of Punjab depends on empowering its youth with education, employment opportunities, sports facilities and a drug-free environment,” he said.
The Chief Minister called upon the citizens to rise above political and personal differences and come together for this common cause. He asserted, “Our government’s mission is bigger than any individual, party or government, it includes saving our children, protecting our families and securing the future of Punjab. Together, we will defeat the scourge of drugs, nurture sports talent and build a state where every youth can dream without fear and fulfill those dreams with full pride.”
The Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that the Central Government was questioning Punjab’s war on drugs, while the state was fighting for the entire country. “The 50-km radius along the international border falls under the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF), yet Punjab is continuously fighting the scourge of drugs with unwavering commitment to protect its youth and future generations,” he said.
He said that the war on drugs is not just a Punjab war, but a national war, which requires collective responsibility, coordination and decisive action.
On this occasion, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Balbir Singh and Tarunpreet Singh Saund, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and others were present.
