Women-led protest against rising drug menace

The bustling market of Nohradhar echoed with slogans against drug abuse as hundreds of women from 16 panchayats gathered under the banner of the Gyan-Vigyan Samiti to lead a massive protest rally. The demonstration, joined by various organisations, self-help groups, and prominent local figures, highlighted the growing concerns over the rising drug problem in Himachal Pradesh.

Holding banners and placards bearing anti-drug slogans, the women marched from the Rest House through the main market and concluded their rally at the Panchayat Bhawan. The event was not just a protest but a call to action, as community members deliberated on strategies to curb drug abuse and shared their perspectives on the issue.

Addressing the gathering, Gyan-Vigyan Samiti’s state secretary Satyawan Pundeer emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective government policy to eliminate drug addiction. He expressed grave concern over the increasing prevalence of ‘Chitta’ (heroin) and warned that if strict measures were not implemented, newer forms of drugs could replace it in the future. Highlighting the growing number of drug-related deaths, he urged the government to take decisive action to control the situation.

Psychologist Bindu Joshi also addressed the audience, cautioning that if the youth fail to resist the lure of drugs, the crisis could spiral out of control. She acknowledged the efforts of the state police in cracking down on drug peddlers and running awareness campaigns. However, she pointed out that despite these efforts, illegal drug sales continue to thrive in secrecy. Both Pundeer and Joshi urged the gathered women and local residents to extend the awareness campaign to their respective villages.