Ward Defence Committees in Jalandhar vow to eliminate drugs under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign

Under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ initiative, Ward Defence Committees in Jalandhar on Tuesday pledged to eliminate drugs from society by transforming the campaign into a mass movement. Chairing meetings in wards 48, 49, and 50, Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat termed the drive a “milestone step” that could become the final blow to the drug menace.

Addressing gatherings at Gurudwara Sahib Adarsh Nagar, Janj Ghar Basti Gujan, and Ghaa Mandi Chowk, the Minister emphasized that Ward Defence Committees must act as a bridge between the Public and the Government. He noted that the ‘Nasha Mukti Yatra’, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, is reaching over 15,000 villages and wards, building mass awareness across Punjab.

The Minister stated that while the Punjab Government has successfully disrupted the drug supply chain and initiated strict action against traffickers, it is now the community’s responsibility to support those trapped in addiction. “Rehabilitation and reintegration must go hand-in-hand with enforcement,” he said, adding that Ward Defence Committees will play a vital role in spreading awareness and assisting addicts toward recovery.

The Cabinet Minister also administered an anti-drug oath to the attendees, where a large number of people pledged not to use drugs, not to allow drug use, to oppose the sale of drugs and those helping drug traffickers, and to help make Punjab drug-free.SHO Sahil Chaudhry informed that full autonomy has been granted to act against traffickers. 

Citizens were urged to share any drug-related information via the WhatsApp helpline 9779-100-200, assuring complete confidentiality.Health department representatives detailed services including two de-addiction centres (Civil Hospital Jalandhar and Noormahal), a rehabilitation centre in Sheikhe village, and 26 outpatient clinics across the district. The District De-addiction Helpline (0181-2911969) remains available for all assistance.Prominent ward personalities including Harjinder Ladda, Jaspal Kaur Bhatia, and Harsimranjit Singh Bunty were also present.