Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has blamed previous administrations for the state's ongoing drug crisis, calling it a "legacy issue" during a public event in Jalalpur village, Tanda. Mann urged citizens to support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to eliminate the drug menace, which has severely impacted Punjab's youth.
The gathering was also addressed by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who accused former regimes of colluding with drug traffickers. Kejriwal highlighted the "long-standing neglect" of the crisis, claiming past leaders not only protected smugglers but also facilitated the illegal trade using state resources.
Mann revealed that his government spent over two years developing a robust strategy to combat the issue, launching a "war against drugs" on March 1. He noted significant progress, stating that the drug supply chain has been disrupted, leading to the arrest of major traffickers. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has set a deadline of May 31 to apprehend all drug traffickers in the state.
The Chief Minister announced that illegal properties of drug smugglers are being confiscated or demolished, while rehabilitation programs are being prioritized for victims. He praised Jalalpur village for achieving "drug-free" status, suggesting its community-driven model, supported by police, be adopted statewide. Mann also emphasized the crucial role of women in the anti-drug campaign, stating their active participation could accelerate the eradication of the problem.
Kejriwal reiterated the AAP government's commitment to breaking the drug supply chain and rehabilitating affected individuals, addressing the long-term damage caused by years of governmental inaction.