Mann Reviews Drug War at Phillaur, Approves 117 Vehicles for DSPsਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਫਿਲੌਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਦਾ ਜਾਇਜ਼ਾ ਲਿਆ, ਡੀਐੱਸਪੀਜ਼ ਲਈ 117 ਗੱਡੀਆਂ ਮਨਜ਼ੂਰ

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday chaired a review of the state government's anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, Jalandhar district, and approved 117 new vehicles for deputy superintendents of police across the state. The review came as his government faces intense political pressure over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa earlier this week.

What did Mann announce at Phillaur?

Mann told officers that the police would work with complete freedom and that his government would not interfere in their work. He said there would be no recommendation from the Punjab government asking the police not to register a case or not to take action, and he urged personnel to work without fear or political pressure. The approval of 117 new vehicles is meant to strengthen the officers who lead anti-drug operations on the ground.

The Phillaur meeting was a working review, not a ceremonial one. Mann held detailed discussions with senior police and administration officials on the campaign's progress. Deputy superintendents of police lead anti-drug operations at the ground level in their subdivisions, and the government said the new vehicles are meant to give those officers the mobility and resources their drives need. The pledge of a free hand was paired with the resource announcement, in a signal that the campaign is being run as a structured programme.

Why does he want a people's movement against drugs?

The chief minister said the fight against drugs cannot be left to the police alone and that a people's movement has to be built against the trade. He said the main task is to break the supply chain, and that people who use drugs should be treated as patients. Mann highlighted sports and public participation as key parts of the campaign, arguing that communities themselves have to protect Punjab's young people.

What did he say about the Jhota killing?

Referring to the Mansa murder, Mann called the incident unfortunate and said the guilty would be punished strictly. He added that if anyone is behind a conspiracy in the case, they too will face punishment. The killing of Jhota, who was shot dead after confronting a medical store owner over the alleged sale of addictive medicines, has triggered a statewide bandh, protests by farmer and worker organisations, and sharp attacks from the opposition and the Union home minister.

What is Yudh Nasheyan Virudh?

It is the Punjab government's ongoing campaign against drugs, built around police enforcement, action against supply networks and public participation through village level committees. Mann has repeatedly said the campaign will continue until the trade is rooted out.

Why is the review politically important?

The review comes in the final stretch of the AAP government's tenure, with the opposition accusing it of losing control of law and order. Mann invoked the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and called for collective efforts to restore Punjab's standing, saying no one from outside would come and protect the state.

Correction: The photo credit on this story earlier named the wrong photographer. The original photograph of Bhagwant Mann used in the poster is by Gurvinder Singh brar GSB (CC BY-SA 4.0).