Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led a large prayer gathering of schoolchildren, in which they pledged to reject the scourge of drugs. The Opposition has predictably labeled it as an admission of defeat. But it’s evident that Punjab continues to grapple with the menace that has plagued it for over a decade. Seasoned police officers describe it as narco-terrorism, propagated by an unfriendly neighbour. The state’s vulnerable geography makes it a hotspot for smuggling of heroin and other opioids across the border. For years, every government in Punjab has risen to power with the solemn promise of eradicating this poison. Former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s pledge to eliminate drugs within two months at his high-profile swearing-in ceremony was seen as a response to a major factor behind his election victory. In the lead-up to the 2017 assembly elections, the current chief minister would conclude every campaign meeting with his viral ditty on “chitta” (heroin).
The AAP government rode to power on the high hopes of voters who believed it would magically turn off the deadly tap. But drugs continue to infiltrate the state, often delivered by unconventional means like drones. There are accounts of traffickers employing innovative techniques, including crossing flooded rivers. The Director-General of Police regularly updates the public on drug seizures, citing an alarming annual tally of 12,000 to 14,000 cases filed under the NDPS Act, alongside a record seizure of 1,100 kg of heroin in 2023. However, this hasn’t yielded a discernible impact on the ground, as police operations frequently target small end-users rather than the major players within the drug network. Drug overdose deaths continue — as per the government’s own report, 266 persons have died of drugs between April 2020 and March 2023.
Many villages have formed their own anti-drug committees, whose actions occasionally verge on vigilantism. Responding to this groundswell, the police have initiated some creative approaches to wean the youth away from this poison. Some police districts have introduced gully cricket, while others have instructed constables to mentor addicts. Cops are also harnessing the power of social media, with district police chiefs often leading these initiatives. The prayer gathering at the Golden Temple was an attempt in this direction. While persuasive communication can be potent, the menace will persist unless the drug mafia is dismantled. Just last week, a High Court bench rebuked the Punjab police for their absence in drug trials. This is the challenge that Chief Minister Mann must confront, and overcome. It’s a battle for Punjab’s future, and he must lead the state to a win.
