JALANDHAR: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has strongly condemned the recent deaths of four young men, all in their mid-twenties, who lost their lives within just 48 hours in Lakho ke Behram village along the Ferozepur–Fazilka road. NAPA has described these tragic incidents as a painful reminder of the Punjab Government’s complete failure in eliminating illegal drugs from the state.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, expressed deep anguish and solidarity with the families of the deceased. He stated, “It is heartbreaking to see Punjab’s youth being wiped out by drugs while the government continues to make hollow promises. The drug menace has now become an epidemic, and the administration appears to be either unwilling or incapable of breaking the supply chain.”Chahal further said that despite repeated assurances from the ruling government and law enforcement agencies, narcotics remain freely available even in small villages. The latest incident, where four families were shattered within two days, has once again shown that Punjab’s so-called “war on drugs” is nothing more than a political slogan.NAPA demanded that the Punjab Government take immediate and concrete measures, including:A high-level independent investigation into the deaths to identify the source of drugs.
A strict crackdown on the nexus of smugglers, corrupt officials, and political patrons involved in the illegal trade.Establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment of those arrested in drug-related cases.Launch of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for addicts, especially targeting rural areas.Chahal warned that if the government continues to fail in its duty, the consequences will be devastating for Punjab’s future generations. “We cannot afford to lose more of our youth. This is not just a law-and-order issue—it is a social and national emergency, ” he added.NAPA has appealed to civil society, community leaders, and global Punjabi diaspora to raise their voices collectively and hold the government accountable. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the victims’ families and continue its fight against the drug menace in Punjab.