Be it 2018, 2023, or 2024, Punjab’s youngsters continue to be in the grip of drug addiction just as their predecessors were decades ago. In the past two weeks alone, at least 14 alleged drug overdose deaths have been reported across the state. Despite numerous initiatives and campaigns in the past years, the situation has worsened with each passing day. Over the last six years, the state’s efforts to combat this scourge have faced significant challenges, and the impact on young lives remains dire.
In a bid to combat the rising menace of drug addiction in Punjab, then-Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh launched the “Tu Mera Buddy” program on 15 August 2018, marking the 72nd Independence Day. The initiative, aimed at schools and colleges, was a clarion call for “Nashe Ton Azadi” (freedom from drugs). Lauding the success of the Drug Abuse Prevention Officers (DAPO) program, the CM envisioned this new campaign as a grassroots movement, involving principals, teachers, students, and their parents. The program was designed to be led by class teachers and supervised by principals and district education officers.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, “Tu Mera Buddy” soon faced significant challenges. Nodal officers of government schools, listed by the district administration, disowned the scheme, stating they were no longer associated with it. The comprehensive initiative was gradually reduced to online seminars and speeches on drug de-addiction, delivered once or twice a year. The lack of active participation and commitment from various stakeholders led to the program’s stagnation.
Fast forward to 18 October 2023. In a dramatic attempt to revive the fight against drug abuse, current AAP Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led 35,000 students to Shri Harmandir Sahib to offer “Ardas” (prayer), aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the youth. This event, part of “The Hope Initiative” launched by the state government and Punjab Police, was designed to encourage youngsters to engage actively as volunteers, players, and spectators in the battle against drug abuse. The initiative’s components included praying, pledging, and playing, with a special gully cricket league tournament inaugurated by the CM at the AGA Gandhi Ground.
During the “Ardas”, CM Mann emphasised that there could be no better place than the Golden Temple to pray for “sarbat da Bhalla” (the well-being and prosperity of all). He reiterated the government’s commitment to severing the drug-supply line and forming committees at rural and urban levels to raise awareness about the drug menace.
GRIM REALITY
Despite these efforts, the grim reality of drug abuse in Punjab persists. The latest wave of 14 alleged drug overdose deaths is reminiscent of the crisis in June 2018 when 23 youths died from overdose, some with syringes still in their arms. Recent deaths have occurred in various districts, including in Gurdaspur, Abohar, Moga, Amritsar, and Ferozepur.
In Gurdaspur’s Deeda Sansian village, three middle-aged men succumbed to drug overdose, one with syringe marks on his body. The police have registered cases against alleged drug suppliers in nearly half of the recent deaths. In Abohar, two individuals were found dead due to suspected drug abuse. The Malout police have booked two persons following the mysterious death of 23-year-old Jagmeet Singh, alleged to be due to a drug overdose.
The increasing incidence of fatalities highlights the authorities’ struggle to eradicate the drug menace, often attributed to smuggling from across the Pakistan border. The high toll of drug-related deaths underscores the urgent need for effective and sustained intervention.
The saga of Punjab’s battle against drugs is one of initial hope, subsequent decline, and renewed efforts amidst a stark reality. The “Tu Mera Buddy” program and “The Hope Initiative” symbolise the government’s commitment to fighting this scourge, but the continuing deaths signal a dire need for more robust measures and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. As drug mafias continue to target the youth, transcending politics and religion, the state and its citizens must unite and fight this menace to secure the future of Punjab’s generations, says Dr Ruby Ahuja, clinical psychologist.