Participating in the debate on Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs), the Chief Minister asserted that many of these ‘Jarnails’ who had once patronized the drug trade have already been arrested.
File Photo: IANS
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday stated that his government will show no leniency toward the ‘Jarnails,’ the masterminds behind the genocide of Punjab’s youth through the menace of drugs.
Participating in the debate on Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs), the Chief Minister asserted that many of these ‘Jarnails’ who had once patronized the drug trade have already been arrested.
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He added that these leaders not only supported the narcotics network across the state but, ironically, even transported drugs using official government vehicles.
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Mann remarked that while no one earlier dared to touch these influential figures, his government has acted, and they will now pay the price for their sins.
He assured the House that exemplary punishment will be ensured for these individuals so that no one dares to commit such a crime in the future.
In a sharp comment, he said that Nabha Jail has become synonymous with ‘Chitta’ (heroin), as those who once introduced drugs to Punjab are now imprisoned there. CM Mann pointed out that these leaders, once known for their ill-gotten opulence, are now demanding facilities in jail.
The Chief Minister categorically stated that those responsible for the metaphorical cremation of Punjab’s youth do not deserve any comfort behind bars.
He noted that a detailed inquiry has revealed that these leaders amassed vast wealth through the drug trade, and they will face the strictest possible punishment for their crimes against humanity.
Mann further alleged that Bikram Singh Majithia had continued his family’s “dubious legacy” of betraying Punjab and its people for personal gain.
He claimed that Majithia’s ancestors had hosted a dinner for General Dyer on the very night of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Similarly, Mann said, the Akali leader looted the people during his political peak and openly supported the drug trade, devastating countless young lives.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that while Punjab was being defamed for drug-related issues, many other states were facing this problem more severely.
He claimed that certain forces hostile to Punjab were running a malicious campaign to tarnish its image by portraying hard-working Punjabis as drug addicts. Despite Punjab’s critical role in fighting a national war against drugs, it continues to be maligned, he said.
He highlighted that Punjab does not produce even a single ounce of drugs, yet the state suffers from their impact.
He shared that state security agencies have recently seized large quantities of narcotics being smuggled from Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, under the campaign Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, his government has successfully broken the backbone of the drug trade.
CM Mann revealed that the drug menace had become such a severe threat that some addicts were found consuming drugs intended for sedating elephants.
He criticized Congress leaders for allegedly trying to shield those involved in this heinous crime, vowing that the culprits will not be spared. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is fully committed to this noble cause and will leave no stone unturned in its pursuit.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of Punjab’s youth, stating that the aim is to empower them to become job creators rather than job seekers. Mann stressed that this transformation is essential for building a progressive and prosperous Punjab.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his vision of creating a Rangla Punjab, a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking state. He stated that under his government, Punjab is witnessing a paradigm shift from the regressive legacy of previous regimes to a progressive future.
While earlier governments left Punjab burdened with negative tags, his administration, he said, is determined to build a Rangla, progressive, and happy Punjab.
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