4 days ago

Dehradun Women Patrol Village Streets Against Drug Menace

Dehradun Women Patrol Village Streets Against Drug Menace
Dehradun women pick up lathis to keep drugs out · thehansindia.com

Women in Thani village near Dehradun are worried about drugs in their neighbourhood.

They formed a group to watch the streets in the evening.

They carry lathis, which are traditional sticks, while patrolling.

They stop unfamiliar people and ask why they are visiting.

If something seems suspicious, they call other women using WhatsApp.

Women of different ages, including working women, take part.

They say children had become afraid to go outside or visit shops.

The women have faced threats but want to protect children from addiction.

Key facts

Location
Thani village on Old Mussoorie Road, Dehradun
Organizing group
Nari Jagriti Sangathan
Vigil duration
About two months
Patrol hours
Evening until midnight, sometimes beyond
Participants
Women ranging from their 20s to their 60s and 70s
Patrol method
Women carry lathis, question unfamiliar people and coordinate through WhatsApp
Reported risks
Residents allege drug traffic through the village, doorstep requests for drugs, abuse and threats

Quotes

Ansuya Rautela

Resident of Thani village

“It had become difficult to even come out on the road. Children could not go to the shops. We were afraid to step outside.”
thehansindia.com
“Most of us are mothers. We do not want another mother's child to have his or her life ruined because of drugs.”
thehansindia.com

Sources

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