Why an AAP MP’s anti-drugs campaign is turning heads in Punjab

An anti-drugs campaign led by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has garnered attention in Punjab. Seechewal's 'Apna Pind Sambhalo' campaign, launched on July 29 from his village in Jalandhar district, aims to combat drug trafficking, theft, and other crimes by mobilizing communities to take responsibility for their own safety.

In just over a month, the campaign has expanded to approximately 150 villages across Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts. Panchayats, sarpanches, and locals are tasked with directly addressing drug-related issues within their communities. Seechewal insists the campaign is not an attack on the government, police, or any political party, emphasizing its focus on community mobilization, strengthening village-level vigilance, and helping youth battling addiction.

The campaign follows another unusual move by Seechewal: he wrote to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, requesting the withdrawal of six police personnel assigned to his security and their transfer to police stations in Sultanpur Lodhi and Lohian Khas, which he claimed were facing staff shortages. This move came after seeing thefts in his village, including the theft of electricity wires, and escalating crimes, including incidents at religious places.

Since its inception in 32 villages, the campaign has reportedly led to the recovery of around 150 grams of heroin and eight motorcycles allegedly linked to drug trafficking. At a meeting attended by representatives from more than 50 villages on August 18, Seechewal reported these results. Residents have openly voiced concerns over the easy availability of drugs and rising thefts linked to addiction.

Lohian's villagers urged action to break the supply chain, arguing that rehabilitation alone would not suffice without targeting the narcotics source.

Seechewal's campaign highlights the persistent drug problem in Punjab, which has been a politically sensitive issue for over a decade. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, a spokesperson for the Shiromani Akali Dal, noted the campaign's significance in addressing the ground-level realities of the drug menace. Despite the campaign's political context, Seechewal maintains that it is driven by genuine concerns for the well-being of his constituents and Punjab.