How all-woman committees are fighting drug addiction in Punjab

In a striking display of unity and determination, these women have formed committees to counter the drug problem that often plagues their communities. Their efforts not only combat addiction but also address the potential involvement of women in the drug trade.

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Members of a drug awareness committee in Bathinda. Express

7 min readLudhianaOct 25, 2023 04:32 PM IST First published on: Oct 25, 2023 at 04:21 AM IST

In the heart of Punjab, the fight against drug addiction has taken a unique turn, with all-woman anti-drug committees stepping up to address the menace that has gripped many villages in the region. In a striking display of unity and determination, these women have formed committees to counter the drug problem that often plagues their communities. Their efforts not only combat addiction but also address the potential involvement of women in the drug trade.

Dullewala’s initiative

In the first week of September, Dullewala village in District Bathinda became a pioneer in this movement when an 11-member all-woman anti-drug awareness committee was formed. Shinder Pal Kaur, an accredited social health activist (ASHA), assumed leadership. The village had previously established a men’s Anti-Drug Awareness Committee, which initiated “thikri pehras” at entry points. However, the involvement of suspected individuals, traveling with women to evade suspicion, led to the need for a women’s committee.’

Joint drug awareness committee of village Harnam Singh Wala, district Bathinda

Shinder Pal Kaur, leading the women’s committee, says that after its formation, suspected individuals ceased traveling with women, thus eliminating the need for entry point checks. The women, including Kuldeep Kaur, now take nightly shifts at entry points, providing support to the men at checkpoints while being available on their phones throughout the night.

Bahadur Singh, the leader of the men’s committee, noted a significant change, stating that suspected drug suppliers no longer bring substances directly into the village, thanks to the women’s active involvement.

The impact of Dullewala’s women-led committee has spawned many others. Shinder Pal said ,”After looking at our active invovlement , women of neighboring Bhana Basti village are also eager to form their committee.”

A movement

Dullewala is not alone in its efforts of the two genders to curb the drug menace. Across Punjab, several villages are doing the same. Piddi village in Taran Taran district formed a 31-member men’s committee and a 17-member women’s anti-drug committee, with Devinder Pal Kaur leading the latter.

Elaborating on their approach Devinder Pal Kaur said, “We maintain vigilance over individuals entering our village and promptly report any suspicions to the police, refraining from taking matters into our own hands.” Kaur also shared, “We’ve noticed that approximately 20-25 youngsters in our village have developed a habit of using various drugs, as reported by the women we interact with. Our role is to offer guidance in steering them away from these substances; however, we can’t impose change upon them.” She further disclosed, “Previously, we suspected two houses in our village of involvement in drug supply, but their activities seem to have ceased within the village. As for any activities outside the village, we cannot vouch for their actions.” Additionally, she noted, “Currently, there are approximately five individuals who have turned to traditional remedies as a form of medication for their addiction.”

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Jagpal Singh, the sarpanch of Harnam Singh Wala village in Bathinda district, highlighted their collaborative efforts, where a women’s committee plays a crucial role during nighttime thikri pehras.

Leading an anti-drug awareness committee in this village with approximately 1200 voters, he stated, “We’ve been spreading awareness for quite some time now, and for the past three weeks, a 7-member women’s committee has also been actively supporting us.”

Rajji Kaur, a committee member of the village who leads the women’s group, emphasised their accessibility and eagerness to support the village committee. She also pointed to the growing audacity of drug suppliers, which has inspired a unified front. Kaur noted, “Our joint committee has facilitated around 10 individuals in their journey toward rehabilitation. I understand it’s not an easy task, but it’s not impossible.”

Fateh Singh Pannu, leading the men’s committee in Piddi village, expressed concern that the police are forming parallel committees, which sometimes demoralises community members involved in drug awareness efforts.

Stories of Courage

Shinderpal Kaur, a 53-year-old resident of Mansa city, carries a heavy burden of grief. She lost her 23-year-old nephew to a drug overdose, a poignant reminder of the perilous grip of addiction. She recalls, “He was living with me. His father had passed away, and his mother had left the house. However, I don’t know when he fell prey to drugs. One day, he died from injecting drugs. He was a tall and handsome boy who aspired to join the army.”

Shinderpal Kaur, a member of BKU Dakaunda, an organisation predominantly addressing farming issues, found herself grappling with a new mission. She states, “For the last four months, I have been traveling through villages to engage with women on drug-related issues. Our union is providing invaluable support, and now they, too, are raising this issue. My only son is a truck driver, and I constantly worry about him, despite him not being addicted to anything. Such is the state of affairs when nasha(addiction) has permeated even our kitchens. It’s high time that women take the lead in controlling it.”

Shinder receives calls from women in various villages who share their hardships, and she visits them to offer assistance. She recounts an incident when she encountered two addicts on a bus journey to Sardulgarh. They were demanding the bus to stop at their chosen station. In the end, the bus driver took the bus to the police station to resolve the matter.

Also Read | ‘Were asked to register at least one case in a month’: 10 cops in Faridkot fail to meet target of booking drug offenders, face probe

Kulwinder Kaur, the proprietor of a beauty parlour in Aklia village of Mansa, is another woman leading the fight against drugs. She’s also a key figure in BKU Dakaunda and remarks, “After the case of Parvinder Singh Jhota, a former addict turned anti-drug activist, surfaced in our city, we all decided to confront these issues head-on. In many villages, not only boys but also girls are falling prey to drugs. When the government doesn’t appear to be getting much success in combating this menace, we have no choice but to lead from the front. Around 30 women from my village also assist in visiting other villages.”

Bahadur Singh, leader of a men’s anti-drug awareness committee, acknowledges the unique perspective women bring to the struggle against drug suppliers and their deep understanding of the anguish experienced by mothers with addicted family members. He believes that proper counseling can save lives.

Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, IG Bathinda range, when contacted, expressed support for the villagers forming anti-drug awareness committees. He said, “We have no issues with the villagers creating these committees. Many of them are genuinely committed to curbing this menace, although sometimes, a few may overstep with extra-constitutional powers. We appreciate their collaboration with the police, and our teams work diligently to apprehend culprits based on their information. We consider ourselves allies of the public, and we are working in close coordination with the masses.”