Amit Shah Sets December 2029 Deadline to Eliminate Drug Menace in India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged police forces nationwide to intensify efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and substance abuse from India by December 31, 2029. Addressing the Police Commemoration Day ceremony at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, he warned that narcotics threaten the younger generation, weaken the economy and finance anti-national activities.

Shah also said India had overcome Naxalism on March 31, 2026, recalling that the conflict had claimed the lives of over 3,600 security personnel and nearly 13,000 civilians since 1981. He paid tribute to police martyrs, noting that 36,852 personnel had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty since Independence.

Highlighting the role of Central Armed Police Forces in protecting democracy and national security, Shah said elections in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh had moved away from electoral violence. He also credited security forces with ensuring a violence-free election in West Bengal for the first time.

Earlier, the Home Minister flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally under the theme “Fight Against Drugs.” The rally features around 90 riders from nine states and Union Territories, along with personnel from Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations.