Home department in Keralam to launch second phase of ‘Operation Toofan’

The Home department in Keralam is planning to launch the second phase of ‘Operation Toofan’, its ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, by roping in the Local Self-Government department.Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Minister for Local Self-Governments K.M. Shaji told the media here on Saturday that the police would work in association with the local bodies, Kudumbashree Mission, Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi workers, Haritha Karma Sena members, local clubs, volunteers, and neighbourhood groups.“While the ongoing three-phase activities related to ‘Opeation Toofan’ will continue, we are planning to take it to the doorsteps of the people with the help of the local bodies,” Mr. Chennithala said.Mr. Shaji said that ‘Toofan flags’ would be hoisted in over 1,200 local bodies, including grama panchayats, district panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities, and corporations, across the State at a fixed time simultaneously on September 28. ‘Toofan committees’, with at least 10 members, would be formed in around 1,034 wards by September 25. Nodal Toofan warriors would be chosen at the local level and badges would be given to them. By October 15, circulars would be issued detailing the responsibilities and duties of the committees.‘Toofan Grama Sabhas’ would be held in 21,000 wards in all grama panchayats, municipalities, and corporations by October 30. Along with this, ward-level action panels (Jana Jagratha committees) would be activated by November. Mr. Chennithala said that the ‘Janamaithri Police’ (people-friendly police) concept would get a boost too. The effort would be to create awareness among the grassroots about substance abuse, Mr. Shaji said. Published - September 05, 2026 06:55 pm IST