Punjab Launches ‘Yudh 2.0’: Citizen Army Takes on Drug Menace
Punjab is gearing up for a renewed fight against drugs with the launch of “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh 2.0”. This ambitious initiative will engage citizens directly in the battle against narcotics.
The state government is establishing village and ward-level defence committees. These committees, comprising 10-20 members, will act as the eyes and ears on the ground, monitoring and reporting suspicious drug-related activities to the police.
The initiative, commencing in Ludhiana on August 4, 2025, will subsequently roll out across the state. This marks a significant shift in strategy from the first phase, which focused primarily on law enforcement.
Phase one of the campaign resulted in nearly 24,500 arrests of drug dealers. However, the government now recognizes the crucial role of community participation in achieving lasting success.
The success of “Yudh 2.0” will depend heavily on the active participation of the public. Its effectiveness will determine Punjab’s ability to curb the devastating impact of the drug menace on its youth and future.