A DANGEROUS HIGH

Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra may be creating a tharangam (wave) of sorts, as are the raids on Popular Front of India offices, but nothing dominates news in Kerala more than the stray dogs or illicit drugs menace, especially the latter.

- Jeemon Jacob

So drastic is the situation that even the infamous drunken memes are giving way to psychedelic ones. The state is finally waking up to the realisation that matters are getting out of hand.

On August 31, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in the assembly that his government was clamping down on the menace—with ‘vigil committees’ to monitor drug users and a data bank of repeat offenders (peddlers) who can now get two years’ detention without trial. All state enforcement agencies will be sharing data on drug-related cases too. The opposition Congress has offered unequivocal support, with leader of the opposition V.D. Satheeshan even narrating the harrowing experience of a friend’s son who is now admitted at a de-addiction centre.

A special month-long anti-drugs campaign, involving community stakeholders, will begin on October 2. “The campaign involving educational institutions and public places will create better awareness among the youth against drug use,” the CM said.