
Ludhiana: 86 drug peddlers' properties razed under Yudh Nashian Virudh drive, says Sond
The minister was addressing village defence committee meetings and public gatherings during the Nasha Mukti Yatra events held at Goh, Lalheri and Ratnheri villages.
Sond warned drug traffickers to either quit the illegal trade or leave Punjab. He also criticised previous governments for their inaction on the drug crisis and reaffirmed the current administration's commitment to eradicating drugs from the state. During the events, the minister administered an anti-drug oath, urging residents to help build a vibrant and drug-free Punjab.
Sond encouraged the youth to focus on education and sports, warning that drug addiction leaves a lasting stigma. He revealed plans to construct stadiums in every village and establish 3,000 gyms across major rural areas to promote healthy lifestyles.

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Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Punjab launches anti-drug curriculum in schools under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh'
To combat drug abuse, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched a dedicated anti-drug curriculum to be implemented in government schools across the state, at Fazilka on Friday. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, party leader Manish Sisodia interact with school students at a government in Fazilka on Friday. (Photo: X) The initiative, part of the third phase of the ongoing 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign, aims to sensitise over 8 lakh students from Classes 9 to 12 on the perils of drug addiction. The curriculum will be rolled out in 3,658 schools and includes 35-minute sessions held every fortnight over 27 weeks. These sessions will feature documentaries, quizzes, interactive activities and poster campaigns, focusing on busting drug-related myths, resisting peer pressure and promoting healthy choices. Experts and scientists will contribute to delivering this programme, which forms a core component of the state's preventive strategy. Kejriwal emphasised that Punjab's location along the international border had made it vulnerable to drug trafficking. He said the state government was adopting a zero-tolerance policy, having already arrested over 15,000 drug traffickers, seizing more than 1,000 kg heroin and demolishing properties amassed through the illegal drug trade. He criticised rival political parties for allegedly supporting known drug lords, accusing them of prioritising personal gains over the welfare of the state. Chief minister Mann said the transformation in government schools had restored public trust, with many students now shifting from private to public institutions. He blamed the previous governments for allowing drugs to proliferate for political and financial gain. He reiterated his government's commitment to justice, referencing the ongoing legal action against high-profile figures like Bikram Singh Majithia. Each village to get gyms, playgrounds: Mann To further isolate the youth from drug temptation, Mann announced the construction of gyms and playgrounds in every village. He also shared a dedicated WhatsApp number (9779-100-200) for citizens to confidentially report drug-related activities. The chief minister emphasised that rehabilitation of former addicts remained a priority to help them rejoin society with dignity. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia praised Punjab for leading this educational reform and warned traffickers of strict action. Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains credited the Akali-BJP regime for the drug crisis and hailed the current government's efforts to root out the menace through strong policy and education. Also present at the launch were Punjab education secretary Anindita Mitra and other senior officials. CM, Kejriwal meet family of slain trader in Abohar On Friday, chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal also visited slain businessman Sanjay Verma's family in Abohar to offer condolences and express solidarity. Sanjay, 54, was gunned down by three bike-borne assailants in a busy commercial area of Abohar in broad daylight on July 7. Nearly a month later, the shooters remain out of police grasp. Meeting Sanjay's brother Jagat Verma, Mann and Kejriwal praised the Verma family's contribution in uplifting Abohar's image through hard work and enterprise, assuring their full support during this difficult time. Reaffirming the state's commitment to justice, Mann informed the family that two gangsters involved in the murder had already been neutralised in a police encounter and assured that every accused will be brought to justice without exception. He further stressed that the safety of Punjabis remained the state's top priority and every measure was being taken to ensure it.


Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal launch drug prevention curriculum to be introduced in schools
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and (AAP) national convener on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in schools under "war against drugs" campaign with an aim to make eight lakh students aware against the menace of drugs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing the gathering, the AAP chief said this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab's battle against drugs from the state's border district. Punjab's war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage, said Kejriwal, adding as part of the third phase of the state government's campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh" (war against drugs) -- a special syllabus is being introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. The former Delhi chief minister said that eight lakh students from these classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse through this syllabus and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Kejriwal said this anti-drug programme will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. The curriculum will include 35-minute sessions to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters and interactive activities, he added. The AAP national convener said these sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs and resisting peer pressure. This path breaking initiative will be replicated in other states too for wiping out the menace of drugs, he envisioned. Kejriwal said Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan which made it a drug route for smugglers. The AAP chief said the state government has already launched the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" (war against drugs) campaign and under this initiative, more than 15,000 drug traffickers have been sent to jail, properties have been seized and over 1,000 kilograms of heroin have been recovered. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The properties acquired by drug smugglers through illegal drug trade are being demolished, he added. Targeting the previous regimes, Kejriwal said that they remained mum on the plight of the state due to drugs "but are supporting the kingpin of drugs". He said the 'Nasha Mukti Yatra' has reached more than 10,000 villages and wards of the state, adding the desired results are coming. The AAP national convener said it is the responsibility of every youth to support this unique and noble initiative of the Punjab government. It is unfortunate that no state or country has remained untouched by the menace of drugs, he added. Kejriwal exhorted the people of Punjab to unite and pledge to make the society drug-free. Addressing the gathering, chief minister Mann said the crusade against drugs has been ongoing for the past 150 days and hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging they will never support drug traffickers. This war against drugs has now transformed into a mass movement, said Mann, adding the state government has introduced anti-drug education into the school syllabus as part of it. The chief minister said students will be made aware of the dangers of drug addiction as the first use of drugs marks the beginning of a ruined life. A complete facelift of government schools has taken place due to the state government's strenuous efforts, he added. Mann claimed that students are leaving private schools and joining government schools which shows people's trust in them. He alleged the blot of drugs has been put on the face of the state by the previous governments. The chief minister said "it took us time to formulate a strategy" after his party came to power in the state. "The state government started de-addiction centres to ensure treatment for those giving up drugs. The state government is also working to skill them and enable them to live life with dignity and pride," he added.


Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal launch drug prevention curriculum to be introduced in schools
Arniwala , Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in schools under "war against drugs" campaign with an aim to make eight lakh students aware against the menace of drugs. Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal launch drug prevention curriculum to be introduced in schools Addressing the gathering, the A chief said this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab's battle against drugs from the state's border district. Punjab's war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage, said Kejriwal, adding as part of the third phase of the state government's campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh" a special syllabus is being introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. The former Delhi chief minister said that eight lakh students from these classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse through this syllabus and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Kejriwal said this anti-drug programme will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. The curriculum will include 35-minute sessions to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters and interactive activities, he added. The A national convener said these sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs and resisting peer pressure. This path breaking initiative will be replicated in other states too for wiping out the menace of drugs, he envisioned. Kejriwal said Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan which made it a drug route for smugglers. The A chief said the state government has already launched the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign and under this initiative, more than 15,000 drug traffickers have been sent to jail, properties have been seized and over 1,000 kilograms of heroin have been recovered. The properties acquired by drug smugglers through illegal drug trade are being demolished, he added. Targeting the previous regimes, Kejriwal said that they remained mum on the plight of the state due to drugs "but are supporting the kingpin of drugs". He said the 'Nasha Mukti Yatra' has reached more than 10,000 villages and wards of the state, adding the desired results are coming. The A national convener said it is the responsibility of every youth to support this unique and noble initiative of the Punjab government. It is unfortunate that no state or country has remained untouched by the menace of drugs, he added. Kejriwal exhorted the people of Punjab to unite and pledge to make the society drug-free. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann said the crusade against drugs has been ongoing for the past 150 days and hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging they will never support drug traffickers. This war against drugs has now transformed into a mass movement, said Mann, adding the state government has introduced anti-drug education into the school syllabus as part of it. The chief minister said students will be made aware of the dangers of drug addiction as the first use of drugs marks the beginning of a ruined life. A complete facelift of government schools has taken place due to the state government's strenuous efforts, he added. Mann claimed that students are leaving private schools and joining government schools which shows people's trust in them. He alleged the blot of drugs has been put on the face of the state by the previous governments. The chief minister said "it took us time to formulate a strategy" after his party came to power in the state. "The state government started de-addiction centres to ensure treatment for those giving up drugs. The state government is also working to skill them and enable them to live life with dignity and pride," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.