Yudh Nashian Virudh: Unprecedented Results Within 12 Days of Campaign Launch

Punjab News: The AAP government’s resolute “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, launched on February 25, has yielded extraordinary results within just 12 days. Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab’s Finance Minister and Chairman of the Anti-Drug Campaign Sub-Committee, shared the impressive statistics at a press conference today, underscoring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab.

Minister Cheema said that so far 875 FIRs have been registered, 1,188 drug traffickers arrested, ₹35 lakh in drug money seized and narcotics, including 68 kg heroin, 873 kg poppy husk, 42 kg opium, 3.5 kg charas, and 6,74,370 intoxicating tablets are confiscated. Additionally, a widespread awareness campaign is actively mobilizing citizens to contribute towards building a drug-free and prosperous Punjab.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly criticized previous governments led by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance and the Congress for creating and fostering the drug epidemic in Punjab. He accused these parties of pushing Punjab’s youth into drugs as part of a deliberate strategy.

“Before 2007, Punjab had never heard of synthetic drugs like heroin or ‘chitta.’ It was during the SAD-BJP regime that these drugs entered Punjab and destroyed our youth. Instead of providing jobs and opportunities, they designed a system to trap Punjab’s young generation into addiction,” said Cheema.

He also lambasted the Congress government, “Captain Amarinder Singh took a false oath in 2017, promising to eradicate drugs within four weeks. Instead, his government deepened ties with drug peddlers. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, while basic necessities were inaccessible, drug trafficking flourished under Congress rule. This is why the people of Punjab rejected them in 2022.”

Cheema emphasized AAP’s historic mandate in 2022 as a rejection of SAD-BJP and Congress’ corrupt and anti-people policies. Since assuming office, CM Bhagwant Mann’s government has prioritized modernizing the police force and strengthening law enforcement systems to ensure justice.

Cheema highlighted the stark differences in conviction rates under the NDPS Act, emphasizing the efficiency of the AAP government. He stated that while the conviction rate under AAP’s tenure stands at an impressive 86%, it was significantly lower during the Congress regime at 58% and even worse under the SAD-BJP government at just 40%. Cheema also pointed out that some districts have achieved conviction rates exceeding 90%, such as Sangrur at 93%, Nawanshahr at 99%, and Ropar at 95%. He attributed these outcomes to a robust system that integrates efficient prosecution, enhanced investigation agencies, and a strengthened Punjab Police. “Under the SAD-BJP government, drug traffickers often escaped punishment due to delayed charge sheets,” he added.

The government has also undertaken several proactive measures to tackle the drug crisis. Over 1,028 meetings have been conducted with students in universities and colleges to raise awareness. Additionally, village outreach programs have been rapidly expanded, including the formation of defense committees composed of retired officers and teachers to address drug-related issues locally. In a bold move, the government has also taken action against drug peddlers by demolishing the homes of 22 major drug dealers.

Cheema further underscored the AAP government’s focus on addressing unemployment, which he identified as a root cause of despair among Punjab’s youth. He highlighted that the government has created over 50,000 jobs, surpassing the SAD-BJP’s record of providing less than 10,000 jobs in 10 years. He also noted that investments worth ₹88,000 crore have been attracted, leading to full occupancy in university and college seats. “Punjab’s youth now believe in a brighter future under AAP. We are creating jobs and opportunities that had been denied for decades,” Cheema asserted.

Cheema also criticized the SAD-BJP for facilitating drug trafficking across India, pointing to Gujarat as the entry point for narcotics.“It is no secret that Gujarat is the hub for drug smuggling. The SAD-BJP alliance is directly responsible for enabling the spread of drugs nationwide,” he remarked.

Cheema assured that the “War Against Drugs” will not stop until every drug trafficker is either in jail or driven out of Punjab. For those who have fallen prey to addiction, the government is committed to rehabilitation and mental health support. “AAP’s Punjab government has vowed to transform Punjab into a drug-free, prosperous state. Together, we will ensure a healthier, brighter future for our children,” he concluded.