Gurusar village’s anti-drug initiative earns admiration

Gurusar village, located in the Gidderbaha Assembly segment and home to nearly 6,000 persons, has not only succeeded in combating the drug menace, but also significantly reduced theft incidents. Nearly 80 villagers, mostly youngsters, have formed an anti-drug committee that maintains vigilance at all entry points to monitor and prevent drug trafficking.

Their efforts have earned praise from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.

A group of 15-20 men keeps watch at the village’s entry points daily. “Chitta (heroin) is a major issue nowadays, but our efforts have been successful. Drug supply to our village has stopped and there are only a few addicts left. There is not a single peddler here now. Our committee is completely apolitical, having members affiliated with all political parties. We simply engage in community policing by setting up ‘nakas’ at night. When someone suspicious enters our village, we try to ascertain the purpose of his visit,” said Ranjit Singh, an active member of the Gurusar’s anti-drug

committee.

He added, “In the recent past, we managed to motivate nine addicts to undergo de-addiction treatment at the Civil Hospital, Gidderbaha. They have now quit using ‘chitta’. We have also been able to save the lives of some people who were mulling to end life by suicide. Our only challenge now is that when we take addicts to the hospital. Their family members sometimes refuse to accompany them as caretakers. However, the police and the hospital staff are very supportive.”

The committee has set up an office in the village and issued identity cards to its members, signed by the village numberdar.

“Not only have we tackled the drug issue, but the committee has also helped reduce theft incidents in the village. There have hardly been any incidents of electricity transformer or water-pump thefts recently,” said Jasvir Singh, president of the committee.

Inspired by the committee’s success, residents of nearby villages, such as Bhunder and Ghagga,

have also sought assistance in forming similar

committees.