Villagers form flying squad to fight drug menace at Begowal

DORAHA: Fight against drugs and drug dealers in Begowal village has become more pronounced with the panchayat forming a flying squad to keep a check on every member of families in the village and to provide information about drug peddlers and drug addicts to the police.

Villagers of Begowal near Doraha take out an awareness rally against drugs on Tuesday. Tribune photo

Lovleen Bains
Doraha, July 16

Fight against drugs and drug dealers in Begowal village has become more pronounced with the panchayat forming a flying squad to keep a check on every member of families in the village and to provide information about drug peddlers and drug addicts to the police.

A social worker of the village, Lal Singh Mangat, along with the panchayat and senior members, formed a brigade and took out an awareness march which passed through the village streets. Members of the village were shouting slogans against drug peddling. Panch Ranjit Singh, Gulzaar Singh, Panch Jasbir Singh, Sukhwinder Singh and Panch Mithu, along with Lal Singh Mangat, shall keep a close watch on the activities of village youth.

“We have selected five villagers whose names shall not be made public and who shall provide us secret information about any such activity going on in the village. Apart from this, we visited 12 homes in the village where we heard youngsters did drugs, and warned them of action.

“This may not be a welcome step for a few villagers who are hooked to drugs, but a majority of residents have assured us of complete cooperation and also promised to inform about those elements which are ruining the lives of children,” said Mangat.

“After all we have taken such a step to save our youth and our future generation from falling into the drug trap. This is the time to act fast and pull out youth of this mess. We cannot afford to close our eyes when our youth is using these habit-forming drugs. It is our moral duty to support the administration since the police alone cannot fight the problem tool and nail. We as responsible citizens have come to their aid,” he added.

The villagers also showed great enthusiasm as they impressed upon the administration to take immediate action against drug dealers and peddlers. “The drugs have literally destroyed the youth of our state. Though the administration has now come to our aid, yet we wish that stringent measures be taken and all those who are involved in one way or the other in this drug trade, be booked,” said elderly persons of the village.