CHANDIGARH : Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal described the oath-taking ceremony of Village Defence Committee (VDC) members in Moga as a historic milestone in Punjab’s fight against drugs. He said the large public participation reflected a strong collective resolve to eliminate the drug menace from the state. Addressing a press conference, he stated that the Aam Aadmi Party government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign last year, which has led to the arrest of major drug smugglers, action against trafficking networks, and awareness drives across thousands of villages.
Dhaliwal said the formation of 10-member Village Defence Committees in every village, city and ward has played a key role in mobilising people against drugs and sharing information with police and the administration. Calling it a collective responsibility, he emphasized that the fight against drugs cannot be won by police alone but requires joint efforts from the public, administration and VDCs. He added that the Moga event marked the second phase of the anti-drug campaign, showing that people have united to eradicate drugs from Punjab.
Targeting opposition parties, Dhaliwal questioned the record of Shiromani Akali Dal and Indian National Congress, asking what action they had taken against drug trafficking during their years in power. He also highlighted that individuals providing crucial information against drug networks and officials involved in major operations are being rewarded, urging VDC members to remain united until Punjab becomes drug-free.
