No one involved in drug trade will be spared, even if they belong to AAP, strictest action to be ensured: Manish Sisodia
Ludhiana News: Declaring the Bhagwant Mann government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ (war against drugs) as the final push to dismantle the drug menace from its roots, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia on Wednesday asserted that the Punjab Government has launched a decisive, no-compromise offensive to make Punjab drug-free. During the Malwa Zone meeting, the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister made it clear that the crackdown will be absolute and impartial, with strict action against every individual involved in the drug trade, even if they are linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stated, “Fight against drugs is a long and decisive battle, and the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is fully committed to eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.”
The AAP Punjab Prabhari noted the need for collective action and uncompromising enforcement against drug networks. “If we want to free Punjab from drugs, we must fight like warriors. This is a collective war to save Punjab’s future,” he said, adding, “Clear instructions have been issued that no one involved in the drug trade should be spared regardless of political affiliation, even if the accused belongs to the Aam Aadmi Party. Strictest action must be taken against whosoever is found guilty.”
Invoking Punjab’s legacy, Manish Sisodia reminded people of their heritage of courage and sacrifice. “We belong to the land of Gurus and martyrs, and Yudh Nashean Virudh will prove to be the final nail in the coffin of the drug menace. This war will be won only through courage and determination. We must not lose heart and resolve to make Punjab completely drug-free,” he said, urging citizens to actively participate, share information, and support enforcement efforts.
Drawing a parallel with AAP’s ideological foundation, he added, “Just as AAP is not merely a political party but a movement to root out corruption and corrupt elements from the system, similarly, we must root out drugs and drug traffickers from Punjab. With the earnest efforts of all, we will win this battle one day.”
Calling for coordinated grassroots action, Manish Sisodia said, “Ministers, MLAs, and Halqa In-charges must work shoulder-to-shoulder with block heads and Village Defence Committees. They must motivate and protect them while ensuring close coordination with AAP ground workers and the police. Pull up your socks and lead from the front with utmost seriousness and commitment. Take full ownership of making your respective areas drug-free.”
Recalling AAP’s journey, the senior AAP leader highlighted the party’s resilience in the face of challenges. “AAP was born out of struggle and has never lacked courage. Even when our leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain, and myself, were targeted in the so-called liquor scam, the court found there was no case at all. Despite losing several powers, the government delivered landmark reforms in education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply,” he said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian also reiterated the AAP government’s firm approach. “The Bhagwant Mann Government has adopted a war-footing approach to make Punjab drug-free. No stone will be left unturned to eradicate the supply chain, arrest big traffickers, and confiscate or demolish their illegally acquired properties,” said Hardeep Singh Mundian, urging all stakeholders to turn the campaign into a true people’s movement through active involvement of village and ward defence committees.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain presented a detailed multi-pronged roadmap to make Ludhiana a drug-free district, focusing on strict enforcement, large-scale awareness campaigns, community participation, and robust de-addiction and rehabilitation support under the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign with coordinated efforts of police, civil administration, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma informed that significant progress has already been made in enforcement. “Around 2,500 drug peddlers have been arrested, including 352 notorious offenders. Properties worth ₹12 crore have been seized, and over 4,000 people have been admitted for de-addiction treatment,” he said.
Khanna SSP Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia and SDM Swati Tiwana also briefed the gathering about targeted interventions, stating that the notorious Meat Market hotspot is being completely reformed through a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Madan Lal Bagga, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Hakam Singh Thekedar, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Jiwan Singh Sangowal, Rupinder Singh Happy, Gurdit Singh Sekhon, Davinderjit Singh Laddi Dhos, Amritpal Singh Sukhanand and others, along with senior leader Dr. KNS Kang, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, senior administrative and police officers, and members of Village Defence Committees.
