“Himachal Could Become Another ‘Udta Punjab’ If We Don’t Act Now,” Warns Kangana Ranaut

New Delhi: Mandi MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has sounded the alarm over the spiralling drug menace in Himachal Pradesh, calling it a “growing epidemic that is eating away the future of our youth.” Speaking to reporters outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session, the BJP MP issued a stark warning that if the issue is not dealt with urgently, Himachal could face a crisis similar to Punjab’s notorious drug problem.

Ranaut claimed that narcotics are entering Himachal Pradesh through the Punjab border, allegedly originating from Pakistan. “The children of Himachal are innocent and trusting. These drugs are being pushed from across the border, reaching Punjab and then seeping into Himachal. This poison is turning our youth into addicts. Families are being destroyed, and lives are being ruined,” she said.

According to Ranaut, the addiction crisis is leading to extreme cases of theft, depression, and social collapse. “We have reports of children selling family jewellery, stealing household items, locking themselves in rooms, and crying in pain. This is a life worse than death,” she added.

Her statement comes in response to Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s recent remarks, where he coined the term ‘Udta Himachal’ to describe the deteriorating drug situation in the state. Shukla expressed concern over the government’s lack of urgency and inadequate rehabilitation infrastructure.

“There’s just one major rehab centre in Kullu, and plans for another in Sirmaur have remained on paper. This shows a lack of seriousness,” the Governor stated, adding that the current government must step up and match central initiatives with state-level execution.

In a bid to spread awareness, Shukla mentioned that students are now required to sign anti-drug pledges at the time of admission in educational institutions. “We need preventive, corrective, and rehabilitative steps together to tackle this,” he said.

Ranaut echoed the Governor’s sentiments, stating that without firm political will and coordinated action, entire villages may be left devastated. “We’ve seen in Punjab how drugs have left behind ghost villages with only women and widows. Himachal is not far from that reality if we don’t wake up now.”