It was shocking to read about Punjab, a State known for healthy living (“ >Punjab’s harvest of intoxicants ,” April 29), now in the vice-like grip of drug use. It is a fact that for many Punjabi youth, the election season does not mean looking forward to participating in democracy but a season to enjoy free liquor and drugs.
Gurnam Kaur,
Ludhiana
Is this the State that sent forth men and youth to defend the country? Leaders cutting across political ideologies must now strive to create employment and educational infrastructure and help misguided youth find a future.
S. Pon Senthil Kumaran,
Madurai
I was told by a knowledgeable friend who visited China soon after the Communist takeover that putting an end to the opium menace was a priority. Opium dens were raided overnight with operators and clients loaded on to trucks, taken to empty cinema halls and subdued. Such measures will not happen in our country, but why let this dismal situation prevail in Punjab?
Navjeevan Khosla,
Panchkula
Reading the article makes it clear that large parts of the State are dens of the devil. Channelling youth toward effective and employment-oriented systems are needed. Why cannot agriculture be given a huge boost with youth taking an active part in it?
Navin Kumar,
Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
That drugs and liquor have become a dominant part of the ongoing election campaign is not new. It happens in every election. The fact that a large number of Punjab’s youth have fallen prey to drug abuse shows that there is nothing to motivate them.
Parminder Kaur,
Patiala
