‘War Against Drugs’ Phase 2 launched as CM Mann seeks public support

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu) - Intensifying its fight against drugs, the Aam Aadmi Party has started the second phase of its war against drugs. This second phase was started by AAP's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara on Wednesday. During this, both the AAP leaders fiercely targeted all the previous governments of Punjab. Kejriwal said that before us, when the Shiromani Akali Dal was in power in Punjab, drugs were delivered to every street and every house during their rule. At that time, Punjab was so badly entangled in drugs that the film 'Udta Punjab' was made.

Drugs were entering every household in Punjab, and many of its top officials were directly involved in drug trafficking. Captain Amarinder then swore on Gutka Sahib and promised to eradicate drugs in thirty or sixty days. His government lasted five years, and nothing happened. These were false promises.

Kejriwal said that after that, our government came into power. We took some time because proper preparation was needed, but after March 1st last year, we launched an action against drugs with a speed and courage never seen before. Many people warned us that drug smugglers are very dangerous, that they are big gangsters, criminals, and goons, and that they can harm our families. We said no, we have come with a promise to the people that we will make Punjab drug-free and ensure a good future for our children. He said that it is not that drugs are sold only in Punjab. There are many states, including Haryana, Gujarat, Delhi, and many others, where drugs are sold openly and in large quantities, but the governments there do not care.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that 28,000 cases have been filed against the drug mafia in the last ten months. No state in the country has ever filed so many cases on such a large scale in the 75 years since independence. When these cases reached court, the accused were sent to jail in 88 percent of cases. If these were fake cases, they would have been dismissed, but those caught by the police are going to jail and the courts are punishing them. Out of every 100 cases, imprisonment orders were issued in 88 cases.

Of the 28,000 cases filed in court so far, 88 percent have resulted in jail sentences. Additionally, nearly 42,000 smugglers have been arrested, including 350 major ones. No state has ever caught smugglers on such a large scale. People may have witnessed this in their villages and neighborhoods, where smugglers owned properties, large mansions, bungalows, buildings, and offices. This is the first time a government has used bulldozers to demolish their buildings. This war against drugs will continue.