Focus on saving lives, not celebrating statistics

Complete eradication far-fetched claim

The drug abuse crisis is multifaceted, encompassing addiction, overdose deaths and broken families. It puts a strain on healthcare systems and encourages criminal behaviour. Poverty, trauma and a lack of mental health resources exacerbate the problem. The consequences are far-reaching in rural areas, where people suffer even more due to a lack of awareness and limited access to adequate rehabilitation services. The stigma associated with addiction also discourages people from seeking help. Undoubtedly, the Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign has made considerable progress in addressing the state’s widespread drug crisis; however, the effort will be deemed incomplete if the government does not prioritise the rehabilitation of victims, alongside law enforcement initiatives. It is important to note that proper rehabilitation can serve as the cornerstone of a drug abuse campaign, assisting those battling addiction to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. While residents support government initiatives, claiming a 99 per cent success rate in drug eradication seems a bit overstated, given the extent of the pervasiveness of the menace.

Novin Christopher

Big fishes need to be caught

It is hard to believe that the state government has made 99 per cent villages in the state drug free by initiating the ‘War Against Drugs’. This said, it is also true that no government other than the current one took any significant steps to curb the dreadful menace. Indeed, the steps taken by the government are proving to be potent in the eradication of the drug menace in Punjab. A major need is to curb the big fishes involved in the trade of drugs. So far, this has not happened. The modus operandi of traffickers can be learnt from the elderly population of villages, who keep a keen eye on all the activities in their area.

Hardeep Singh Ahuja

Police, NGO records paint different picture

The Punjab Government’s initiative “Nasha Mukt Yatra” and the campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh” are commendable steps toward addressing the deep-rooted drug problem in the state. However, the claim that 99 per cent villages in the state are now drug-free raises questions about the ground realities. While such statistics may reflect government efforts, it is important to verify whether or not these figures are based on thorough and transparent surveys. Many families in Punjab continue to suffer silently due to drug addiction. There are still reports of drug-related deaths, especially among youth, in rural and semi-urban areas. The availability of synthetic drugs like heroin and pharmaceutical abuse is far from eradicated. Police records and local NGOs often paint a different picture, highlighting ongoing issues. True drug eradication requires not only awareness campaigns but also rehabilitation, employment opportunities and long-term support for recovering addicts. Mere rallies and declarations won’t solve this complex problem. While the campaign is a good step forward, claiming complete victory is premature. We must appreciate the intent but remain realistic. Independent audits and community-level feedback should be encouraged to assess the actual impact. The focus should remain on saving lives, not just celebrating statistics.

Parmeet Kaur

Claim overly optimistic

While the Punjab Government’s “Nasha Mukt Yatra” and “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaigns are remarkable, the claim that 99 per cent of villages are drug-free appears overly optimistic. On-the-ground realities frequently offer a different picture, with many families still devastated by drug use. True success is defined by lasting change rather than mere numbers. To truly address the issue, two critical measures are required: first, regular third-party audits and surveys to assess ground realities in a transparent manner; and second, increased investment in long-term rehabilitation, mental health assistance and vocational training for recovering addicts. Without constant monitoring and community involvement, such pronouncements risk becoming mere political claims rather than markers of true progress.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Focus on groundwork, Big changes take time

The government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative is appreciable, but it seems hard to believe that 99 per cent of the villages in the state are drug free. While the percentage of addicts has fallen, the government will have to work on the ground level to achieve the 99 per cent mark. There are still some villages where the supply is ongoing unabashedly and miscreants have not been arrested. While it is a good start, the problem is not yet solved. The government should keep working towards spreading awareness, supporting addicts and taking strict action against drug suppliers. Big changes take time, but the government should focus more on groundwork. If we want to make Punjab drug free, both the government and people have to work together. Only then we can see real change.

Prabhnoor kaur

State government’s claim is false

The Punjab Government’s lofty claim of having made 99 per cent of the state’s villages ‘drug free’ was exposed when residents of many areas were seen urging a visiting ministers to establish more outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres in their respective regions. “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” a war against drugs, initiated nearly two months ago by the Punjab Government failed to break the drug supply chain and did not bring any change on the ground level. On May 13, 2025, 21 people died near Majitha, allegedly after they consumed spurious liquor which was manufactured from methanol, a fatal chemical. A few days ago, an unidentified youth died of drug overdose at the Civil Hospital in Fazilka and thereafter two persons were reported to have died of drug overdose in Barnala. In spite of the ban imposed by the state government on the sale of energy drinks in and around schools, food operators continue to openly sell these to young consumers. Some residents claim that drugs are freely available and it takes more time to buy groceries from a shop than to procure these illegal substances. The poor addicts remain easy targets for the police, whereas the big fish remain elusive. If this trend continues, the government will fail to get rid of the drug menace in the state.

RS SEMBHI

Don’t let hope turn into denial

The Punjab Government’s initiative through the ‘Nasha Mukt Yatra’ and the earlier ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign reflects a much-needed effort to address the drug crisis that is prevailing in the state. But, their claim that 99 per cent villages in the state are drug free is only half the truth. This claim may be based on data, but the reality is something different. Drug addiction is not only a problem of law and order—it also includes social, psychological and economic factors. Only conducting awareness camps and having strict laws won’t help resolve the problem. True rehabilitation, family and social support, proper medical care, education and most importantly employment among youngsters are required. No doubt equal and proper efforts are being made by government but we cannot disagree with the fact that there are still many families who mourn there young ones, who succumbed to the menace. The major problem that youths who take drugs face are not getting adequate support and mental health issues. These substances offer them temporary respite but have far-reaching consequences. Progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go. Let’s not let hope turn into denial.

Japleen kaur

Action created fear among peddlers

The Punjab Government has claimed that there has been a significant progress in drug eradication in the state. Independent reports suggest that the government’s action against peddlers has created fear among them to a large extent. The government has also opened de-addiction centres and treated lakhs of addicts. So, to some extent the government’s claim of Punjab being “drug-free” is true as compared to previous administrations. But the state still has reports of high addiction rates, especially in rural areas, with youths hooked on heroin, pharma opioids and synthetic drugs. In the UNDP 2023 report, Punjab figured as a major transit route for Afghan heroin. In some cases drug-related deaths were often labelled as “heart attacks” or “unknown causes”. People, parents, teachers and NGOs must come forward to assist the government in the eradication of drugs from Punjab. The government must organise seminars and start campaigns against the ill effects of drugs. More and more sports activities must be started in villages and it must be made compulsory for youngsters to take part in these events. More employment opportunities must be provided to involve youth in earning their livelihood.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Approach issue with caution

The Punjab government’s claim that 99 per cent of the state’s villages are drug-free seems overly optimistic, considering the complexity of the issue. While the state has intensified its anti-drug efforts through campaigns like “Yudh Nashian Virudh” and “Nasha Mukt Yatra”, data suggests otherwise. Nearly 266 deaths were reported due to overdose of narcotic and psychotropic substances from April 2020 to March 2023. The death rate is also increasing, indicating a precarious situation. Given the ongoing efforts and the complexity of eradicating the problem from the root, it is essential to approach the claim with caution. Sustained efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of addiction and prevent relapse.

JASPREET KAUR

Efforts must continue for better results

To curb the drug menace in Punjab, the government has launched several initiatives. The Punjab Police have been directed to intensify crackdowns on drug peddlers, dismantle supply chains and confiscate properties acquired through illicit drug money. Over 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, and 875 FIRs were filed against peddlers in recent times. The government is focusing on strengthening rehabilitation and de-addiction services across the state, with district administrations directed to establish support facilities to provide treatments. The government must involve community as it is critical, with initiatives like “Nasha Mukti Yatra,” aiming to engage the public and promote a drug-free society. The government should build sports facilities to empower youth and divert them from drug abuse .The Punjab Government has shown commitment to eradicating drug abuse and progress has been made as former drug abuse hotspots are reportedly becoming drug-free. As part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative, 10,000 drug smugglers were arrested. While the government claims to be winning the battle against drugs and vowing to eradicate the menace from Punjab forever, it is essential to continue efforts to achieve a drug-free society.

Farzana Khan

Use de-addiction centres judiciously

The Punjab Government has started the “Nasha Mukt Yatra” under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” programme and the government claims that 99 per cent of villages in the state have become drug-free. This seems an over-estimate because if it were true there would have been far less number of reports regarding the arresting of drugs smugglers in the newspapers every day, but one finds plenty of such reports. However, certainly some progress has been made in the matter. The government must not slacken its efforts of making the state drug-free. The government has recently announced to start more drug de-addiction centres in the state. These centres must also be judiciously utilised. As more drug selling and consuming persons are caught and arrested by the police, the state will eventually become drug-free. Therefore, it is suggested that the government must continue its efforts for to achieve success.

Gautam Dev

Ludhiana