Yudh Nashian Virudh Phase-2: Punjab Govt Steps Up War Against Drugs

The Punjab government has launched the second phase of its flagship anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, adopting a multi-pronged and community-driven approach to tackle the drug menace in the state.

The launch event was held near Jalandhar, with the participation of senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

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Yudh Nashian Virudh Phase-2: Punjab Govt Steps Up War Against Drugs

Pind De Pehredar: Village Defence Committees

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that more than 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as ‘Pind De Pehredar’, have joined Village Defence Committees (VDCs) across Punjab.

10–20 volunteers from each village form a VDC
Volunteers are trained to identify and report drug peddlers
VDCs will work alongside police and district administration

This initiative aims to turn the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement rather than a police-only operation.

Technology-Driven Reporting Mechanism

To ensure safe and effective reporting:

A mobile app will be installed on volunteers’ phones
Volunteers can share information on drug sellers, sources and locations
Anonymity of informants will be strictly protected

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) will directly monitor action taken on the inputs, and strict action will be initiated against officials or police personnel found involved in the drug trade.

Public Participation & Key Dates

Missed-call number: 9899-100002
Citizens can register their villages for participation
Padyatras across Punjab from January 10 to 30
A mega gathering of 1.5 lakh Pind De Pehredar on February 13

Leadership & Rehabilitation Focus

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, and state ministers were present at the launch.

The campaign also emphasizes rehabilitation, focusing on helping drug-dependent individuals recover and reintegrate into society.

Impact of Phase-1 Campaign

According to Arvind Kejriwal, the first phase, launched on March 1 last year, achieved significant results:

28,000 cases registered against drug peddlers
42,000 smugglers arrested
88% conviction rate
Properties of drug traffickers demolished
Major drug traffickers (“big fish”) jailed

The Punjab government also purchased anti-drone systems using state funds to counter drug smuggling via drones from Pakistan.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Campaign name: Yudh Nashian Virudh
Phase-2 launched by Punjab Government
Over 1.5 lakh Pind De Pehredar volunteers involved
Village Defence Committees formed in every village
Reporting through mobile app and missed-call number
Phase-1 conviction rate: 88%
Anti-drone systems deployed by Punjab government

Question & Answer

Q1. What is the name of Punjab’s flagship anti-drug campaign?
(a) Mission Drug-Free Punjab
(b) Yudh Nashian Virudh
(c) Nasha Mukt Bharat
(d) Punjab Drug Eradication Mission
Answer: Yudh Nashian Virudh

Q2. What are the volunteers under the anti-drug campaign in Punjab called?
(a) Gram Rakshak
(b) Drug Watchers
(c) Pind De Pehredar
(d) Nasha Mukt Sena
Answer: Pind De Pehredar

Q3. Approximately how many volunteers have joined the Pind De Pehredar initiative?
(a) 50,000
(b) 1 lakh
(c) 1.5 lakh
(d) 2 lakh
Answer: 1.5 lakh

Q4. Which authority will monitor action taken on drug-related information?
(a) Punjab Police HQ
(b) Home Department
(c) District Magistrate
(d) Chief Minister’s Office
Answer: Chief Minister’s Office

Q5. During Phase-1 of Yudh Nashian Virudh, what was the conviction rate in drug cases?
(a) 65%
(b) 72%
(c) 80%
(d) 88%
Answer: 88%

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