Irked by the growing drug menace and rise in thefts, the panchayat of Jassi Pauwali village has passed a resolution to socially boycott those found selling drugs or committing thefts, as well as people who stand surety for them.

The resolution was passed during a panchayat meeting aimed at curbing anti-social activities in the village.

The panchayat has also appealed to residents to get police verification done for their tenants, if any, and submit the details to the panchayat for record.

Gurmeet Singh, a member of the village panchayat, said theft incidents had increased in recent months, which the panchayat believes is linked to drug addiction.

“The theft incidents have increased in our village, possibly due to the drug menace. The thieves, who are usually drug addicts, have stolen items from the government school, the Anganwadi centre and the cooperative society. Angered by these incidents, we have passed this resolution,” he said.

Village residents expressed hope that the decision would discourage drug peddling and theft, while encouraging greater community vigilance.

Notably, some other villages in the state have also passed similar resolutions in the past.