Chandigarh, April 16 -- As Punjab intensifies its 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' (war against drugs) campaign, Faridkot district is emerging as a model for how community-led policing can deliver measurable results in tackling the state's deep-rooted drug crisis.
Spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the campaign has begun to show visible impact on the ground, with a noticeable decline in both drug trafficking and consumption in the district. Officials attribute this shift to a strategy that blends strict enforcement with active citizen participation, moving beyond conventional policing methods.
At the heart of Faridkot's success is an innovative anonymous reporting system. Residents have been sharing information about drug peddlers and substance abuse through handwritten notes, allowing them to remain unidentified. This simple mechanism has helped overcome fear and hesitation, generating consistent grassroots intelligence that has enabled police to carry out targeted crackdowns on local drug networks.
Alongside enforcement, the district administration has rolled out 'Mission Nishchay' at the village level to curb both supply and demand. Awareness campaigns, coupled with youth engagement initiatives such as sports tournaments and distribution of sports kits, are encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and participate in constructive activities.
The combined approach is yielding tangible outcomes. Areas once known for open drug trade are witnessing reduced activity, while public spaces are being reclaimed by residents. Women and families, locals say, now feel safer stepping out even after dark-an indication of improving ground conditions.
Another key indicator of change is the sharp decline in demand for intoxicating substances. Chemists in Faridkot report an 80-90 per cent drop in sales of addictive tablets and injections over the past year, pointing to a significant behavioural shift within the community.
The government has also emphasised rehabilitation, ensuring that individuals struggling with addiction are connected to de-addiction centres and supported through supervised care at home.
Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain said community participation has been central to the progress. "The fight against drugs cannot be won by policing alone. When citizens share responsibility, both supply and demand begin to collapse," she noted.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.