Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira addressed the ongoing drug crisis in Punjab, offering sharp criticism regarding the state administration's handling of the situation during a statewide shutdown. Speaking on the unrest, Khaira stated that the administration operates on scripts and that nothing occurs without prior preparation. He noted that the shutdown observed across Mansa and the wider region of Punjab reflects the true picture of the government's anti-drug campaign, locally referred to as yudh nashe virudh.
The political climate surrounding the drug menace has intensified as opposition voices scrutinize official measures and public responses. Khaira pointed to the widespread participation in the bandh as evidence of public sentiment regarding the efficacy of current law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. Local residents and community stakeholders have increasingly voiced concerns over the availability of illicit substances and the pace of institutional intervention across affected districts.
The state government has previously defended its anti-narcotics operations, citing sustained crackdowns on local peddlers and expanded outreach programs aimed at youth rehabilitation. However, critics continue to demand stricter accountability and more transparent reporting on seizure statistics and conviction rates in drug-related cases. Further administrative updates are expected as local authorities respond to ongoing political pressure and community-led memorandums submitted across multiple districts.



