Is the Promise to Make Punjab Drug-Free Just a Farce?
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Synopsis
The ongoing struggle against drug abuse in Punjab raises questions about the credibility of the state's efforts. With multiple deadlines unmet, both the BJP and AAP present contrasting narratives about the effectiveness of current measures in combating the drug menace.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab's drug situation remains dire, with ongoing issues of drug trafficking.
- The AAP government reports significant arrests of drug smugglers.
- Contradictory narratives from AAP and BJP highlight a political divide.
- Concerns over the effectiveness of current anti-drug measures persist.
- Community involvement is crucial in combating drug abuse.
Chandigarh, June 1 (NationPress) The commitment to render Punjab drug-free has once again been exposed as a farce, as the fifth deadline announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on May 31 has elapsed without any improvement in the drug crisis, stated the BJP’s state media head Vineet Joshi on Sunday.
He pointed out that the grim reality is that ‘chitta’ (synthetic drug) is now being sold openly, with home delivery of drugs becoming a common practice.
In response to the BJP’s claims, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Neel Garg expressed that the BJP has become a party of press conferences, entirely disconnected from the actual situation on the ground. He questioned whether the BJP is unaware that in just 90 days, the AAP government has apprehended over 14,000 drug smugglers and incarcerated them.
“Are they ignorant of the fact that 8,472 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed under the NDPS Act and numerous encounters have occurred? Additionally, hundreds of illegal structures established by drug traffickers have been demolished using bulldozers,” he stated. Garg emphasized that the BJP might not comprehend how individuals across villages, towns, and cities — whether elderly, women, or youth — are uniting to pledge that they will neither use drugs nor permit their sale.
Unconvinced by AAP’s defense, the BJP leader remarked that the battle against drugs is failing because the drug supply chain remains unbroken. He asserted, “Drugs will only be eradicated when the supply network is dismantled. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the drug supply chain was interrupted, long lines were seen outside de-addiction centers. However, no such scenes have emerged during this anti-drug campaign, indicating that the supply chain is still operational.”
Joshi criticized the AAP government for presenting empty statistics to gain accolades. For instance, Member of Parliament Malwinder Kang highlighted a case in Patiala, where a youth was labeled a drug smuggler, when in fact he was an addict receiving treatment at a de-addiction center for a year. The FIR indicated that only a non-commercial quantity was found with him. The BJP leader asserted that the seriousness of the government and CM Mann in combating drugs can be gauged from the absence of state-level programs on the last three International Anti-Drug Days.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective on the ongoing drug crisis in Punjab. The contrasting claims from BJP and AAP highlight a significant divide in political narratives. While the AAP emphasizes its achievements in arrests and legal actions, the BJP raises concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. Ultimately, the focus should be on the real impact on the community and finding effective solutions to combat drug abuse.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current drug situation in Punjab?
The drug situation in Punjab remains concerning, with reports of synthetic drugs being openly sold and home deliveries of drugs becoming common.
How many drug smugglers has AAP arrested?
In just 90 days, the AAP government claims to have arrested over 14,000 drug smugglers.
What actions has AAP taken against drug abuse?
AAP has filed 8,472 FIRs under the NDPS Act and demolished hundreds of illegal structures associated with drug trafficking.
What is the BJP’s stance on AAP's drug initiatives?
The BJP criticizes AAP for not breaking the drug supply chain and claims that the current anti-drug efforts are not yielding results.
Have there been any state-level programs for drug awareness?
The BJP points out that there have been no state-level programs held on the last three International Anti-Drug Days.
