Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questions the Centre over the drug narrative, highlighting Punjab Police action against traffickers across multiple states.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly objected to what he described as the Centre’s repeated attempts to associate Punjab alone with the country’s drug problem. He said Punjab Police is actively pursuing drug networks not only within the state but also across different parts of the country.

Addressing a press conference at his residence in Chandigarh, Bhagwant Mann said Punjab has been taking firm action against people involved in drug trafficking. He pointed out that police operations have resulted in arrests of accused persons from states including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of Punjab’s security forces in tackling cross-border smuggling. He said around 40 per cent of Punjab Police personnel are working in coordination with the Border Security Force to strengthen security and prevent narcotics and other illegal consignments from entering the country through the international border.

Punjab’s Strategic Location a Major Security Challenge

Bhagwant Mann said Punjab shares a 533-kilometre international border with Pakistan, making the state particularly vulnerable to attempts aimed at disrupting peace and security. He stressed that any instability in Punjab could have consequences beyond the state.

Describing Punjab as an important part of the country, the Chief Minister said the state has repeatedly stood with the nation during difficult periods. He urged political leaders to avoid statements that could create unnecessary fear or damage Punjab’s image.

Mann also appealed to opposition parties to focus on development and meaningful discussions instead of what he called publicity-driven politics. He cautioned against political rhetoric that could potentially remind people of the difficult period Punjab experienced in the past.

DGP Gaurav Yadav Highlights Crackdown on Drug Networks

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, who attended the press conference, said law enforcement agencies would take action against criminals regardless of their influence or geographical location.

Yadav said Punjab Police has arrested several suspects from outside the state during its ongoing crackdown. The anti-drug campaign, he added, is focused not only on apprehending traffickers but also on identifying and confiscating properties allegedly connected with drug-smuggling networks.

The DGP further emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the campaign against narcotics. According to him, community participation can help law enforcement agencies identify and disrupt trafficking networks more effectively.

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Mann Questions Selective Focus on Punjab

Bhagwant Mann also raised questions over the broader pattern of drug seizures across India. He claimed that a significant portion of narcotics entering Punjab is linked to cross-border routes and said consignments are often transported in different quantities.

The Chief Minister referred to major drug recoveries at ports in other parts of the country, including Mundra Port in Gujarat. He questioned why Punjab continues to face disproportionate criticism when drug-related seizures and trafficking networks are reported in several parts of the country.

According to Mann, Punjab Police has taken action against trafficking networks with links to Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. He said these operations demonstrate that the narcotics problem extends beyond Punjab and requires a coordinated national response.

Focus Should Be on Stopping Drug Supply, Says Mann

Criticising the Centre’s proposed anti-drug outreach campaign scheduled to begin on September 18, Bhagwant Mann said authorities should give greater priority to disrupting supply chains and trafficking routes.

He questioned whether awareness marches alone could effectively address the narcotics problem and argued that stronger action against the sources and distribution networks would be more meaningful.

Bhagwant Mann maintained that Punjab will continue its campaign against drug trafficking while also protecting the state’s image and interests. He called for cooperation among governments and agencies to tackle the narcotics menace through stronger enforcement, intelligence sharing and public participation.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid an ongoing political debate over Punjab’s drug situation, with the state government stressing police action against trafficking networks while questioning what it sees as a selective focus on Punjab in the national discourse.

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