Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary and Member of Parliament Tarun Chugh on Monday articulated significant concerns regarding the escalating drug menace and the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab during a session of the Rajya Sabha. He asserted that the state government has been ineffective in addressing these critical issues.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mr. Chugh drew the attention of the Upper House to the sensitive nature of Punjab’s border with Pakistan, highlighting its vulnerability to the smuggling of drugs and weapons. He alleged the operation of an extensive drug-trafficking network in border areas, contributing to a rise in narcotics availability and subsequent addiction among a substantial portion of the state’s youth.
According to Mr. Chugh, the issue has transcended its classification as a public health crisis, becoming intrinsically linked to a surge in crime and societal instability across Punjab. He cited the 2024 Crime in India report, which indicated that a considerable quantity of narcotic substances were seized in the state, positioning Punjab among the primary centers for drug seizures nationwide.
The BJP leader further expressed alarm over an increase in drug abuse-related fatalities. He stated that the number of drug-related deaths in Punjab, which was recorded at 89 in a single year, had reportedly climbed to 106, thereby underscoring the severity of the crisis confronting the state.
Mr. Chugh also voiced apprehension over a rise in criminal incidents, including instances of snatching and other offences. He contended that despite the worsening circumstances, the Punjab Government had failed to implement effective measures to curb the drug trade and maintain law and order.
The Member of Parliament specifically pointed to the repeated use of drones for smuggling narcotics and weapons from Pakistan into Punjab. He emphasized that this issue should not be narrowly construed as a border security concern, given that the ramifications of cross-border smuggling were profoundly impacting all of Punjab.
“The impact is being felt in every city, every village and even within individual households, where young people are losing their lives and their futures because of drug addiction,” Mr. Chugh stated, illustrating the widespread consequences of the drug crisis.
Expressing grave concern over the prevailing situation, Mr. Chugh observed that Punjab was increasingly becoming a significant hub for the drug trade. He warned that the state was “in danger” if this trend was not immediately curtailed.
Furthermore, Mr. Chugh alleged a general increase in crime within Punjab, citing incidents such as murders, explosions, and attacks, including blasts targeting police establishments. He suggested that such occurrences had fostered an environment of fear and insecurity among the populace.
He attributed the perceived decline in the state’s situation to what he described as the state government’s deficiency in maintaining effective law and order and its inability to counteract organised crime. He also alleged that criminal mafias had gained a more pronounced influence within Punjab.
The BJP MP concluded by stating that the current situation necessitates immediate attention and collaborative action to prevent further escalation of Punjab’s drug crisis and security challenges, asserting that these issues have not been adequately addressed by the state government.
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