Image Source: Agencies

Aug 4, 2025: The "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh 2.0," which will involve the general public in the fight against drugs, is about to be launched by the Punjab government. As part of the next phase, the government will involve the public to fight the menace by forming village-level (in rural areas) and ward-level (in urban areas) defence committees.
Comprising 10-20 members, these committees will act as vigilantes and keep an eye on drug smugglers, peddlers and consumers. They will keep drug dealers and smugglers out of their areas with the assistance of the police. In Ludhiana, the first defense committees will be formed. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will formally initiate them into this on Monday.
The defense committees, according to officials, will be established in each Punjabi village and ward. Senior officials, teachers, and retired soldiers will receive preference. In March, the "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" campaign was launched by the AAP government.
Every aspect of the campaign is overseen by a five-member cabinet committee headed by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. The government's initial focus was on arresting drug smugglers and peddlers to disrupt the supply chain. Since the campaign began, 24,499 smugglers have been detained by police so far.