3 panchayats resolve to oust drug peddlers

At least two panchayats in Bathinda and one in Mansa district have passed resolutions to expel from their village boundaries all those engaged in the illegal trade of drugs. These included Kothe Pipli Mehraj and Mehraj Khurd in Bathinda and Jawarharke in Mansa.

Panchayats have passed orders that those indulging in drug trade or helping accused in securing bail will be expelled from their respective village.

Newly elected sarpanch of Kothe Pipli Mehraj Balwinder Singh Lakhi made a public announcement to expel drug peddlers after the panchayat accepted his proposal unanimously.

The panchayat warned of legal action against drug peddlers. The sarpanch asked medical store owners and the registered medical practitioners to stop giving habit-forming drugs to youngsters in particular.

The panchayat of Mehraj Khurd village also decided to take strict action against those supplying drugs in the village. The gram panchayat of Jawaharke village in Mansa district has announced a total boycott of drug sellers.

Move withdrawn

The Jawaharke panchayat has withdrawn the resolution prohibiting residents from marrying migrants or performing intra-village marriages

The resolution adopted on November 24 was withdrawn after Mansa DC Kulwant Singh held a meeting with panchayat members telling them that it was not permissible under the law

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