Days after the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa triggered a political storm in Punjab, a viral video purportedly showing a 12-13-year-old child consuming drugs in Kapurthala has sparked fresh concerns over the state’s drug crisis.
The incident, beyond the political blame game, has intensified questions over how narcotics are allegedly reaching children at such a young age, and whether other children in the area are similarly vulnerable. Congress leaders, wearing a black cloth around their necks as a mark of protest, have raised concerns over the drug menace and the government’s response to the crisis. Congress leader Bawa Henry also flagged the issue, saying the video showed how drugs had now reached teenagers, underlining the seriousness of the situation. Taking a swipe at the government’s anti-drug campaign, she alleged that the drug mafia had been given a free hand to target vulnerable and impoverished children. The latest video has added another dimension to the debate, shifting attention to the vulnerability of children and the alleged availability of drugs among younger age groups. Bawa Henry’s remarks have brought the focus on the possibility of children and teenagers being exposed to narcotics, raising questions about how drugs are reaching them and whether existing enforcement measures are sufficient to prevent access. The viral video has once again highlighted the need for coordinated action involving the police, health authorities, schools, families and community organisations to protect children from substance abuse.
