Punjab Government’s Promise to End Drug Menace by March 31 Remains Unfulfilled: NAPA Expresses Deep Concern
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) strongly criticizes the Punjab Government for failing to fulfill its publicly declared promise that the drug menace would be eliminated from the state by March 31 of this year. Despite repeated assurances, ground realities show that the drug crisis remains as alarming as ever, with no significant improvement visible across Punjab.
NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal stated that the government’s tall claims of “ending drugs within a fixed deadline” have turned out to be nothing more than political statements. He said that instead of diminishing, the drug trade continues to thrive, and fresh reports indicate increased availability of heroin, synthetic drugs, tablets, syringes, and cross-border smuggling activities.
“While the people of Punjab were promised a drug-free state by March 31, the situation on the ground tells a starkly different story,” said Chahal. “Families continue to lose their young sons to addiction, drug traffickers are still operating openly, and border smuggling through drones has increased. This proves that the government has failed to meet its commitment.”
Chahal further emphasized that enforcement agencies themselves have reported large-scale drug seizures even after the March deadline, demonstrating that drug networks are still deeply rooted. The promise of a complete elimination of drugs now appears unrealistic, given the ongoing arrests, routine seizures, and persistent smuggling from across the border.
NAPA demands that the Punjab Government stop making hollow declarations and instead implement a practical, transparent, and time-bound strategy to combat the drug crisis. The state urgently needs:
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Stronger accountability for law enforcement
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A crackdown on political-drug nexus
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Enhanced border surveillance
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Modern rehabilitation and de-addiction centers
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Community-driven awareness campaigns
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Strict action against officers showing negligence
“The people of Punjab deserve honesty, not empty deadlines,” Chahal added. “NAPA stands with the families suffering from this menace, and we will continue to speak out until meaningful, on-ground results are achieved.”
NAPA urges the Chief Minister and Home Department to release an official status report immediately, detailing progress, challenges, and future strategy—because the youth of Punjab can no longer wait.