This Fight Cannot Be Won By Police Alone; People, Administration And VDCs Are Fighting Together: Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday declared the massive gathering in Moga for the oath-taking of Village Defence Committee (VDC) members as a historic moment and a decisive milestone in Punjab’s ongoing fight against drugs. He said the overwhelming participation reflected a new wave of public resolve to free the state from the menace of narcotics.

What AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal revealed about the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign?  

Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign in March last year and that it has delivered strong results across the state. “Big smugglers were arrested and sent to jail, cases were registered, and action was taken against drug networks. Along with enforcement, the government also carried out awareness drives in thousands of villages,” he said.

Highlighting the structural measures taken under the campaign, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson stated that one of the most significant steps was the formation of 10-member Village Defence Committees in every village, city and ward. “These committees have played a crucial role by mobilising people against drugs and by sharing credible information with Punjab Police and the district administration about those involved in drug peddling,” he added.

Calling the movement a collective responsibility, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal noted, “This fight cannot be won by police alone, nor by the administration alone, nor by people alone. It is a three-front battle. VDCs, Punjab Police and administrative officers are fighting together to eliminate drugs from Punjab.”

What he said about the Moga programme?

Describing the Moga programme as the beginning of the second phase of the anti-drug campaign, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the participation of thousands of VDC members clearly showed that people have risen against drugs. “When people rise, drugs can be eliminated. Yesterday’s gathering was not an AAP rally; it was a VDC gathering, which is why the Chief Secretary and DGP addressed it,” he said.

The AAP MLA pointed out that opposition leaders are unsettled after witnessing the scale of public mobilisation. “They are giving baseless statements because they know if drugs are eradicated, their political shops will be shut for good,” he said.

Challenging the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal asked them to account for their record during their years in power. “During ten years of Akali rule and five years of Congress rule, what action did they take against drug smugglers? Did they ever run such a campaign, demolish smugglers’ properties, or send big smugglers to jail?” he asked.

Citing a recent example to underline the impact of the campaign, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson noted a sarpanch was rewarded with Rs 10 lakh after information shared by their VDC led to the recovery of 40 kg of heroin. He added that officers involved in key operations were also rewarded and that the government will continue recognising such efforts.

Congratulating all VDC members for their commitment, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal urged them to remain united and steadfast until drugs are completely eliminated from Punjab.