Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
'Yudh Nashean Virudh’ gains ground: 300 drug peddlers nabbed in 15 days
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 17, 2026: Declaring Village Defence Committees (VDCs) as the cutting edge of Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday asserted that the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ initiative has moved from intent to intensive ground-level enforcement across villages and wards.
AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu described VDC members as “frontline warriors” and the government’s “eyes and ears” in the fight against the drug mafia. He maintained that every input received through the committees is acted upon directly and without delay, with the identity of informants kept strictly confidential.
According to Pannu, weekly or fortnightly review meetings are being conducted in every village and ward to identify drug hotspots and ensure sustained monitoring.
In the last 15 days alone, more than 300 street-level drug peddlers have been arrested based on VDC inputs, signalling what he termed a “system-driven crackdown.”
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Pannu said the recent VDC oath-taking ceremony at Killi Chahal in Moga marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots participation in the anti-drug drive. He stated that over 1.25 lakh VDC members have taken oath under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, reflecting the government’s commitment to making Punjab drug-free.
Pannu further claimed that more than 1,400 complaints have been received through a dedicated app provided to VDC members, with strict action taken and FIRs registered in relevant cases. He asserted that the initiative is not symbolic but backed by technology and direct coordination with the Police Headquarters and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Targeting opposition leaders, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pannu alleged that those now questioning the campaign had failed to act decisively during their tenure. He also drew comparisons with earlier initiatives under Captain Amarinder Singh, terming the present drive as more structured and result-oriented.
He added that while the government has ended the “parcha culture” and will not allow false cases against innocents, those involved in drug trade “will not be spared.”
Pannu concluded that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the campaign will continue until Punjab is completely free from the menace of drugs, calling it a collective battle of the police, administration and the people.