Drug abuse dominates poll discourse in Patiala villages

The issue of drug abuse in the state resurfaces during every election, and the zila parishad and block samiti polls are no different. In Lang village, the situation appeared to have been settled after political parties poured in all their energy into the last-day of campaigning. Residents made it clear that their vote would go only to those who promise a decisive end to the drug menace.

A resident recalled that earlier only a handful of youth consumed traditional substances like opium and poppy husk, which he said were “less harmful.” “Now, youngsters are falling prey to synthetic drugs like chitta and other intoxicants. We will vote only for those who can curb this menace,” he added.

Villagers said successive governments had promised to eradicate drugs but failed. “Demolishing the houses of drug peddlers is not enough. Hold the police and politicians accountable for sheltering them. We need a comprehensive strategy. How long will we keep losing young lives to addiction?” asked a group of men gathered at the sathh in the village.