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Ludhiana: In a renewed push to combat Punjab’s drug menace, the state government has announced the formation of village-level and ward-level defence committees (VDCs), drawing on the support of retired soldiers, teachers, senior officials, and community leaders. These grassroots vigilante groups, comprising 10–20 members each, will work with the police to monitor drug smuggling, check peddling, and support addicts in rehabilitation efforts.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally launched the first phase of these committees in Ludhiana on Monday, marking the start of what he called a “people’s war on drugs.” He stated, “While the drug menace has not been fully eradicated, it has significantly declined due to joint efforts by the state and its people. Now, we are involving communities directly, to secure a lasting solution and restore Punjab to its vibrant, drug-free glory.”

The committees will prioritise retired soldiers for rural areas due to their discipline and organisational skills, while teachers and senior officials will lead the urban ward committees. Members will receive official identity cards to facilitate free and fearless operations.

Public-Driven Anti-Drug Strategy

The move comes after the earlier deadline of May 31 to make Punjab drug-free proved challenging. Now, the focus is on community mobilisation: VDCs will keep watch in their respective areas, share information with police, run awareness campaigns in schools and villages, and ensure quick action against smugglers and addicts. Villages and wards that succeed in becoming drug-free will be officially recognised by the state.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav highlighted the campaign’s initial success: since March 1, 4,116 FIRs have been registered, and huge recoveries of drugs, illegal weapons, and vehicles have been made, most of them on public tip-offs.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha added that these committees will also include sarpanch, panchayat members, ward councillors, area SHOs, and other prominent local figures, ensuring a broad-based approach.

Mann Targets Opposition

Chief Minister Mann took a sharp swipe at opposition leaders who, according to him, openly supported SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, facing drug-related charges. “Are these leaders hand-in-glove with smugglers or standing against them? They need to clear their stand,” Mann remarked, indirectly referring to Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi and Partap Singh Bajwa, and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh. He reiterated that the state had gathered “a basket full of evidence” to bring Majithia’s case to a logical end.

Mann also outlined the AAP government’s achievements over the last three-and-a-half years, citing job creation, property registration reforms, and elimination of corruption in revenue offices. “Earlier, corruption was rampant in tehsils; today, people get their land records amended without paying bribes,” he said.