Effective solutions needed to end drug menace

Multi-Pronged Approach Needed

The ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab Government is a laudable step towards eradicating the scourge of drugs and psychotropic substance abuse. One wonders why it has taken more than two years to adopt these tough measures. The government claims that in 12 days since February 25, 875 FIRs were registered, 1,188 drug traffickers arrested, and 68 kg of heroin, 42 kg of opium, 873 kg of poppy husk, and more than 6 lakh sedative tablets confiscated. Though this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. The state government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to combat rampant drug abuse, focusing on prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. Starting from panchayat members, sarpanch, BDO, SDM, Deputy Commissioners, MLAs, MPs, and the state police force, all should be collectively and individually responsible for the eradication of drug trafficking and narcotic use. It is disturbing when some retired police officials rue political interference as wrong-doers are arrested. De-addiction and rehabilitation centres are required for drug users. Dope tests should be done on suspected drug users, and those testing positive should be sent to de-addiction centres. Stress should be laid on the eradication of users rather than sellers. If there are no buyers, sellers will vanish. Vigorous campaigns need to be launched at the school, college, and university level to enlighten youngsters about the dangers of toxic consumption and drug addiction. The state government should collaborate with central agencies for a coordinated approach against drug cartels. By combining strong law enforcement with public awareness, healthcare, and rehabilitation efforts, the state government can significantly reduce drug abuse and its associated social problems. The government should monitor and regulate the sale of prescription drugs that have a high potential for abuse. Also, there should be a crackdown on illegal online pharmacies selling controlled substances without prescriptions. Educate doctors and pharmacists on responsible prescription practices.

Bholla Singh Sidhu

Consistent Efforts Are Needed

Drug abuse by youth in Punjab is an epidemic now. It is linked with increased crime rate, huge economic losses, and reduced public safety. According to a survey, seven out of 10 college-going students are into drug abuse. ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh’ is a great initiative. Other steps should include vocational training, cash incentives, job placements, free medicines and motivational sessions for the youth willing to give up drugs. Creation of more de-addiction and mindfulness centres should be emphasised. Drug traffickers should be heavily penalised. School and college-level anti-drug campaigns should be organised. The social stigma associated with drug abuse needs to be checked. Families of drug abusers should also be counselled. Consistent efforts by the government and the community are needed to end this epidemic and help make Punjab drug-free and prosperous again.

Vikramjit Singh

Focus on Big Drug Peddlers

The Punjab Government's drive against drug abuse is nothing more than a mere eyewash. The big fish are being left out, while those who were small-time couriers and consumers are being put behind bars after registering FIRs. It is no hidden fact that local cops are usually hand-in-glove with the traffickers. If the government really wanted to nail drug peddlers, it should nab the big fish of the illegal trade. Their intelligence agencies have all the information regarding the big smugglers. The government should carry out action against these smugglers through the cops of other districts, as smugglers usually have their 'contacts' in the local police.

Amarjit Singh Asal

Strengthen Rehabilitation

The success of ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh’ hinges on a multi-pronged approach:Strengthening rehabilitation services, enhancing community support and ensuring rigorous enforcement of the NDPS Act within legal parameters. While the intent to combat the drug menace is laudable, its efficacy, particularly concerning rehabilitation centres, warrants scrutiny. Aims to provide comprehensive care, including rehabilitation and sustained recovery, however, remain a challenge. Data reveals that relapse rates are alarmingly high. While precise figures are difficult to pin down, studies indicate that a significant percentage of patients, often exceeding 70 percent, struggle to maintain abstinence post-rehabilitation. This highlights the need for robust aftercare and community support systems. The scale of the drug problem necessitates more substantial investment and improved monitoring. For example, while the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has funded hundreds of rehab centres, the availability of long-term support and job training programs is still lacking. The Supreme Court has also stressed the need for strict adherence to search and seizure protocols, aiming to reduce wrongful convictions and protect individual liberties. It serves as a reminder that the fight against drugs must be conducted within the bounds of the law, balancing enforcement with respect for fundamental rights.

Ravisha Mahajan

Address Corruption, Unemployment issues

By launching ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh,’ the Punjab Government has taken the right step to eradicate drug trafficking, but more steps need to be taken to root out this menace. First, the government should make efforts to end corruption in the Police Department. There are still many loopholes in this department, as drug traffickers bribe policemen who, in turn, let them continue their illegal business openly. Secondly, awareness through all sources needs to be created to fight this menace. Last, but not least, the government has created ample job opportunities in the public sector, but it is too difficult for the common man to avail of it due to a cumbersome hiring process, whereas, in the private sector, there are not enough vacancies. So, unemployment exists on a large scale. Therefore, there is a dire need to take private employers into confidence and encourage them to hire more.

Sanjay Chawla

Drug Addiction Crisis in Punjab

The rehabilitation of drug addicts is not enough because they are victims of addiction, not the accused as often portrayed. It is crucial to collect data on drug addicts in the state to understand the full extent of the issue, but unfortunately, the state has failed to do so. Punjab has suffered significantly since the militancy period of 1984-94, and the drug crisis that followed. Thousands of youths have died due to drug consumption, and many families have been devastated by the involvement of their loved ones in the drug trade. Despite over 5,500 drug-related cases registered by Punjab police in recent years, only 200 cases have traced the source of the drugs, revealing that the high-profile culprits are often protected. The Raja Kandola, Jeeta Maur, and Bhola Drug cases are prime examples of this. For the last 20 years, political parties have used the issue to gain power but have failed to take honest action. The people of Punjab are now losing hope in both the law enforcement agencies and the government's commitment to addressing the drug problem.

Sarabjit Singh Verka

Ineffectiveness of Anti-Drug Drive

The Punjab Government's recently launched anti-drug drive seems to be nothing more than an eyewash, aimed at managing its tarnished image rather than addressing the real crisis. The state is drowning in drugs, with narcotics easily available at every corner, and our youth falling victim to this menace daily. Despite repeated promises, the ruling government has failed on every front—law enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention. Instead of taking concrete action against the drug mafia and corrupt officials, it resorts to mere publicity stunts. The people of Punjab need real solutions, not hollow campaigns designed to distract from the government's failures.

Kunwar Paramveer Singh

Apathetic attitude of Government

The Punjab government seems to have only woken up after the Aam Aadmi Party lost the elections in Delhi. Even now, it appears that the government's focus is more on making headlines than addressing the core issue. Despite large recoveries, arrests and the demolition of drug peddlers' houses, intoxicants are still readily available in the market. If the government is truly serious, it must take action against the police officials and politicians who protect the drug trade. Demolishing five-marla houses of peddlers will not change the situation on the ground.

Mandeep Singh

Government's Lack of Seriousness

The action by the police in the past few days is commendable, but the issue needs more attention by lawmakers and strict enforcement by the authorities concerned. Bulldozing is indeed one way to ensure that punitive action is taken against those who sell or smuggle drugs. But drug trade and abuse are so intrinsic in our society now, especially in rural border belts, that these require a comprehensive approach and action plan. The village panchayats and local governance need to be accountable to stop the smuggling and sale of drugs. Also, the political patrons of drug mafia and smugglers need to be identified and shamed and held accountable for their actions. They are equally responsible for this state of affairs. The recent reports of a few security officials and police officers being involved with those responsible for drug trade is a telling reminder that the Punjab Police also needs a deep cleansing of its own. They should also make an example of not just the small fish but bigger ones as well. Only then, will the true "Nasha Mukti" begin and the youth be saved.

Sahil Saini

Spread awareness among youth

It is indeed a great initiative to curb the ever-increasing menace of drugs, but a crackdown on drug peddlers is not enough. The government needs to spread awareness among the youth about the dire consequences of drug abuse and how it irreparably damages the social, cultural and familial fabric of society. Moreover, the rehabilitation centres should be improved as the conditions there are dismal. Doctors, nurses and staff are unsympathetic at best and the facilities at these centres are also deficient. The overall social and individual approach towards recovering addicts must be changed and empathy based reintegration of therecovered addicts must be prioritised. The government needs to chalk out an action plan that is comprehensive, sensitive and empathetic. A targeted approach that also focuses on victims and perpetrators must be designed. Door-to-door awareness campaigns should also be started with trained and educated volunteers and not staff from educational institutes as they see this not as social service but as a cumbersome duty/chore, rendering it ineffective. Profesional counsellors must be invited to act as mediators between those in rehabilitation and mainstream society.

Gurpratap Khairah

Catch big criminals

An entire generation has fallen prey to drugs amidst the ongoing "Yudh Nashian Virudh" anti-drug campaign. It is commendable that this campaign has been launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Police. The raids conducted and bulldozers in action might be a justified action as you witness that these are targeting drug smugglers and peddlers. But what about their patrons? Political patronising of drug mafia is an open secret in the state machinery and some of the stained cops are yet to receive any punitive action. The war against drugs in Punjab cannot find its purpose if the big fish in the trade are not captured and brought to justice. People have high hopes from this campaign and our political leaders must realise that until they catch the real criminals behind the trade, these bulldozers would mean nothing.

Tersam Saini