Chandigarh, Feb 17: A significant shift in Punjab’s social landscape was evident this week as thousands of Village Defence Committee members gathered in Moga to swear an oath against drug trafficking. AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal stated Tuesday that the event was not a political rally but a formal administrative assembly addressed by the Director General of Police and the Chief Secretary.
Dhaliwal affirmed that the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ movement has transitioned into a new stage characterized by direct community oversight. He noted that the 10-member committees established in every locality are now the primary engines for gathering intelligence on peddlers. “When people rise, drugs can be eliminated,” the MLA declared, adding that the government is focused on both dismantling networks and rehabilitating the state’s image.
The legislative representative maintained that the current success stands in stark contrast to previous administrations. He challenged opposition leaders to account for their lack of progress over the last fifteen years. “During ten years of Akali rule and five years of Congress rule, what action did they take against drug smugglers?” Dhaliwal asked. He stated that the current government’s policy of seizing smugglers’ properties and rewarding whistleblowers has created a genuine deterrent.
The efficacy of the VDC model was illustrated by a recent operation involving the recovery of 40 kg of heroin. Dhaliwal mentioned that the information provided by a local committee led to a ₹10 lakh reward for a village sarpanch. He affirmed that officers and citizens alike would continue to receive recognition for high-impact operations.
“VDCs, Punjab Police and administrative officers are fighting together to eliminate drugs from Punjab,” Dhaliwal stated. He concluded by urging committee members to stay steadfast in their commitment until the state is entirely free of narcotics, asserting that the fight is a shared responsibility that transcends individual efforts.
