The panchayat of Jassi Pauwali village in Bathinda district has unanimously passed a resolution to socially boycott individuals involved in drug peddling and theft, as well as those who stand surety for them. The decision comes in response to a surge in thefts that local leaders attribute to the growing drug menace.
Resolution passed at village meeting
The resolution was adopted during a panchayat meeting convened specifically to address anti-social activities plaguing the village. Alongside the boycott, the panchayat has appealed to all residents to conduct police verification of any tenants living on their properties and to submit the verification details to the panchayat for record-keeping.
Theft incidents linked to drug addiction
Gurmeet Singh, a member of the village panchayat, stated that theft incidents have increased noticeably in recent months. He noted that the panchayat believes these thefts are directly linked to drug addiction. "The theft incidents have increased in our village, possibly due to the drug menace. The thieves, who are usually drug addicts, have stolen items from the government school, the Anganwadi centre and the cooperative society. Angered by these incidents, we have passed this resolution," he said.
Community support and past precedents
Village residents have expressed hope that the panchayat's decision will discourage drug peddling and theft while encouraging greater community vigilance. Similar resolutions have been passed by other villages in Punjab in the past, reflecting a broader grassroots effort to combat drug abuse and property crime.
