16 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday gave a strong message against drug abuse, urging people—especially the youth—to choose life and hope over destruction, declaring, “Zindagi zindabad, no murdabad.”
A Message Focused on Life
Addressing a public gathering as part of the state’s anti-drug campaign, Mann said the fight against drugs is not just a law-and-order issue but a battle to protect lives, families, and the future of Punjab. He appealed to citizens to reject negativity and violence and instead stand for positivity, health, and opportunity.
“The language of death and destruction has harmed Punjab enough. Now is the time to say ‘zindagi zindabad’—long live life,” he said.
Youth at the Centre of the Campaign
The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab’s youth are its greatest strength, not a lost generation. He called on students, sportspersons, and young professionals to become ambassadors of a drug-free Punjab by supporting peers, spreading awareness, and reporting peddlers.
Mann said the government is focusing on:
- Strict action against drug traffickers
- Rehabilitation and de-addiction programmes
- Employment and skill-development opportunities
- Sports and cultural initiatives to keep youth engaged
Zero Tolerance for Drug Mafias
Reiterating his government’s stance, Mann warned that drug mafias will not be spared, regardless of their political or social connections. He said the administration has instructed police and enforcement agencies to act decisively and transparently.
“Our fight is not against addicts but against those who profit from addiction,” he added, stressing compassion for victims and firmness toward criminals.
Community Participation Key
Mann underlined that government action alone is not enough. Parents, teachers, religious institutions, and community leaders must play an active role in identifying early signs of addiction and guiding people toward treatment rather than stigma.
He encouraged families to seek help without fear, assuring them of confidentiality and support through government-run de-addiction centres.
A Shift in Narrative
Political observers see Mann’s slogan as an attempt to change Punjab’s narrative—from despair linked to drugs to optimism rooted in life, work, and self-respect. The emphasis on positive language, they say, is meant to inspire collective responsibility rather than fear.
Conclusion
With the slogan “Zindagi zindabad, no murdabad,” Bhagwant Mann called for a united, compassionate, and firm approach to eliminating drugs from Punjab. The message was clear: the state’s future lies in protecting life, empowering youth, and rejecting everything that leads to destruction.
Summary
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged people to choose life over destruction in the fight against drugs, saying “Zindagi zindabad, no murdabad,” while stressing youth empowerment and strict action against drug mafias.