4 days ago
Dehradun Women Patrol Village Streets Against Drug Menace
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.
Women in Thani village patrol streets from evening until midnight, and sometimes later, carrying lathis.
The vigil began about two months ago under the Nari Jagriti Sangathan banner.
Residents say drug-related activity made routine movement unsafe, particularly for children and women.
Women question unfamiliar people and alert others through a WhatsApp group when someone seems suspicious.
Despite alleged abuse and threats, the women say they will continue protecting local youngsters from drugs.
- Who
- Women residents of Thani village, organized under the Nari Jagriti Sangathan, are conducting the patrols.
- What
- They are carrying out evening and nighttime street patrols to deter suspected drug activity and question unfamiliar visitors.
- Where
- Thani village on Old Mussoorie Road in Dehradun.
- When
- The vigil began about two months ago and operates from evening until midnight, sometimes later.
- Why
- Residents say drug-related activity had made routine movement unsafe and they want to protect local children and young people.
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










