Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Communities must join anti-drug fight, says Punjab DGP
The police in Punjab, which is a state in India, are working hard to stop people from using dangerous drugs.
They started a big campaign called 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' on March 1, 2025.
Since then, they have held more than 39,000 meetings with people across the state.
The police chief, Gaurav Yadav, said that police alone cannot solve this problem.
He said everyone in the community has to help.
Police have visited schools and colleges and talked to students more than 10,000 times.
They tell students about how drugs can hurt them and how to say no when friends push them to try drugs.
They also held special meetings with young people to listen to their questions.
Police want people to tell them if they see someone selling drugs.
When communities and police work together, it is easier to keep everyone safe.
Punjab Police has held over 39,000 public meetings across the state since the 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign launched on March 1, 2025.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone and needs a whole-of-society approach.
As of August 5, 2026, police had conducted 10,605 awareness meetings with students at schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
Punjab Police organized 3,303 Sampark Meetings primarily focused on youth, who are among the most vulnerable to drug abuse.
The outreach programme aims to build trust, encourage citizens to report drug-related activity and promote healthy lifestyles and resistance to peer pressure.
- Who
- Punjab Police, led by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, along with communities, students and youth in Punjab.
- What
- A public outreach programme supporting the anti-drug campaign 'Yudh Nashean Virudh', involving over 39,000 public meetings, student awareness sessions and Sampark Meetings.
- When
- Since the campaign's launch on March 1, 2025, with figures reported as of August 5, 2026.
- Where
- Punjab, India, including schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the state.
- Why
- Because the fight against drug abuse cannot be won through enforcement alone and lasting success requires communities to become equal partners in prevention and awareness.
- Campaign
- Yudh Nashean Virudh
- Campaign launch date
- March 1, 2025
- Public meetings held
- Over 39,000
- Student awareness meetings
- 10,605
- Sampark Meetings
- 3,303
- Data as of
- August 5, 2026
- Key spokesperson
- Gaurav Yadav, Punjab Director General of Police
- Priority group
- Youth and students