Drug addiction has for years remained one of Punjab’s most serious social challenges, cutting across families, villages and generations. Acknowledging that the crisis required more than routine statements and periodic crackdowns, the Punjab government rolled out a comprehensive campaign titled ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’, aimed at taking on the drug menace in a sustained and coordinated manner.
The campaign goes beyond symbolism. It combines strict law enforcement with community participation, rehabilitation measures and technological intervention to target the drug trade at every level.
When was the campaign launched?
The Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign was launched in 2023 with the objective of not only arresting drug peddlers but also dismantling the larger ecosystem that supports the narcotics trade. The focus has been on breaking supply chains, cutting off profits and reducing the social acceptance of drugs.
Action against properties of drug traffickers
One of the most visible steps under the campaign has been action against properties allegedly built using proceeds from drug trafficking. After following legal procedures, houses and commercial structures linked to major traffickers have been demolished.
The message from the government has been clear: involvement in the drug trade will lead not just to imprisonment but also to the loss of illegally acquired assets. Officials say the move has acted as a deterrent and reassured people that the state is serious about tackling the problem.
Gram Panchayats step in
Community participation forms a key pillar of the campaign. Gram Panchayats across the state have passed resolutions declaring zero tolerance towards drugs. Many villages have taken collective responsibility to report peddlers, support affected families and encourage addicts to seek treatment.
A sarpanch from one such village said the community decided to stay vigilant, keep track of suspicious activity and help those struggling with addiction access rehabilitation. “We want our youth to feel safe,” he said.
Push towards drug-free villages
Several villages have now declared themselves drug-free after sustained efforts involving awareness drives, sports activities for youth and regular monitoring. These villages are being showcased as examples to encourage similar initiatives elsewhere in the state.
Focus on rehabilitation
The government has also emphasised that drug users should be treated as patients rather than criminals. Rehabilitation centres have been strengthened under the campaign, offering medical care, counselling, psychological support and skill training to help individuals reintegrate into society.
Officials say the aim is to ensure that those who want to quit drugs receive support and dignity, rather than stigma.
Using technology to block supply routes
With cross-border smuggling through drones emerging as a major challenge, anti-drone systems have been deployed in sensitive border areas. These systems are meant to detect and neutralise drones used to drop narcotics, helping curb the inflow of drugs from across the border.
CM’s stand on the issue
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly said that the government will show zero tolerance towards drug trafficking. Describing the campaign as a long-term fight, he has stressed that the focus is on destroying the entire network behind the drug trade, including its financial backbone.
More than a campaign
Yudh Nashiyan Virudh is being projected as more than a law-and-order exercise. By bringing together enforcement agencies, village institutions, rehabilitation services and technology, the state is attempting to address the drug problem from multiple angles.
The stated goal is to create an environment where families no longer live in fear of losing their children to addiction, and where Punjab’s youth have a healthier and more secure future.