Punjab must lead India’s fight against drugs and narco-terrorism: MP Satnam Singh Sandhu
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 30, 2026: Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu has called for a decisive push from Punjab to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Drug-Free Youth, Drug-Free India”, saying the state must turn the campaign against drugs into a mass movement.
Sandhu made the remarks after listening to the 137th episode of Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme with young people and members of different sections of society at Dhanas village.
He said the Prime Minister’s call holds particular significance for Punjab, which should take the lead in the national campaign against drug abuse.
According to Sandhu, Modi has called for greater public participation in the fight against drugs by encouraging young people to create impactful slogans, musicians to produce songs promoting a drug-free lifestyle, and students and theatre groups to develop short plays highlighting the consequences of drug abuse and ways to overcome addiction.
He said writers and content creators should also develop awareness material in different languages to reach wider sections of society.
Sandhu stressed that drug addiction does not affect an individual alone but can have a damaging impact on entire families and communities.
Focus on Narco-Terrorism
Sandhu said Punjab’s challenge goes beyond drug addiction and includes what he described as a narco-terror network linked to cross-border drug trafficking.
He alleged that drug trafficking networks are connected to various forms of organised crime, including threats for ransom, extortion and targeted killings.
“The fight for Punjab is not only against drug addiction but also against the entire system of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism that is weakening the state’s youth, peace and security,” Sandhu said.
He claimed that the country’s experience in tackling Naxalism demonstrated the impact of sustained political will and decisive action.
“The same determination, resolve and capability must be used to free Punjab from the narco-terror network,” he said, adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was committed to this objective.
Create Opportunities for Punjab’s Youth
Sandhu also emphasised the need to address the factors that make young people vulnerable to substance abuse by creating greater opportunities in education, employment and entrepreneurship.
He said Punjab’s youth should be provided avenues through education, skill development, sports, research, employment and entrepreneurship, enabling them to channel their energy towards the state’s development.
“Punjab’s youth should not be seen as a problem, but as the greatest force for rebuilding Punjab,” Sandhu said. He further said the strength of Mann Ki Baat lies in transforming positive ideas into public participation and eventually into a broader social movement.
Sandhu called for the Prime Minister’s message to reach every village, educational institution, sports ground and young person across Punjab.
“A drug-free youth, a Punjab free from narco-terrorism and a future filled with opportunities for young people — the Prime Minister’s call today must be transformed into a strong people’s movement in Punjab,” he said.