Shimla, Feb 13,
In a strong move against the rising drug menace in Himachal Pradesh, the Gram Panchayat of Auhar, located in the Ghumarwin Development Block of Bilaspur district, has passed a resolution imposing strict penalties on those involved in drug-related crimes.
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During its monthly meeting on January 28, 2024, under the leadership of Pradhan Premlata Thakur, the Panchayat unanimously decided to take a zero-tolerance approach toward drug offenders. The resolution warns residents against extending any form of support to those engaged in drug activities, stating that such actions only enable the spread of the crisis.
According to the resolution, any resident caught in a drug-related case will be deprived of all basic facilities provided by the Panchayat. Furthermore, if any family member secures bail for an accused individual, the entire family will face social boycott and exclusion from Panchayat-provided services.
The move comes in response to the alarming rise in synthetic drug abuse, particularly the spread of “Chitta,” which has devastated many families across the state. Concerns have grown over parents unknowingly aiding their addicted children, inadvertently strengthening the drug supply chain.
While the State government claims to have taken strict action against major drug suppliers, questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures. Many argue that unless financial assets linked to drug networks and suppliers outside the State are confiscated, merely targeting individual suppliers will not yield long-term results. Additionally, reports of some police personnel being investigated for alleged links to drug peddlers have further raised concerns.
With local communities bearing the brunt of the crisis, the Gram Panchayat’s decision signals growing frustration and a demand for stronger social and administrative interventions.
