Mein urges citizens to join fight against drugs
ITANAGAR, 26 Jun: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across the state on Friday to raise awareness on substance abuse and strengthen efforts for a drug-free society.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein urged every citizen of the state to join the fight against drugs and reaffirm their commitment to building a drug-free society.
“On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to build a drug-free Arunachal Pradesh,” Mein said in a social media post.
He said that drug abuse destroys lives, tears apart families and weakens the very fabric of the society. The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone; it requires active participation of parents, educators, community leaders, youthsand every responsible citizen, Mein said.
“Let us stand united to create awareness, support those on the path to recovery, and safeguard our younger generation from the dangers of substance abuse,” he said.
The Papum Pare district administration and the District ICDS Cell under the Women and Child Development Department, in collaboration with the Education, Police and Information & Public Relations Departments, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).
Addressing the gathering, Papum Pare SP Taru Gusar emphasised the crucial role of parents and teachers in moulding a child’s life. He said that proper guidance, emotional support and moral values imparted at home and educational institutions are essential in keeping the younger generation away from substance abuse and other harmful activities.
He further said that antisocial elements attempt to weaken the youths, who form the very fabric of society.
“Once the youths are weakened, the entire social fabric becomes disoriented and unorganised,” he said, and called upon all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, officers, civil society organisations, NGOs and social activists to unite and strengthen the fight against drugs.
RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam emphasised the importance of discipline in life, and encouraged students to remain focused and responsible. He advised the students to pursue their passion alongside academics for their overall and all-round development.
Dr Rikam said that the university is collaborating with the women’s commission to undertake an in-depth research study on drug addiction in Arunachal and its social and economic impact on society.
Doimukh SDPO Nabam Rikam highlighted the growing concern of illicit trafficking and stressed the need for collective efforts from the administration, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and society to curb the menace of drugs and related crimes.
Counsellors from Kripa Foundation, Nisso Mekap and Yura Chumna, dwelt at length on the menace of drug abuse and its adverse effects on individuals and society, while District Surveillance-cum-Programme Officer Dr Lobsang Chuki spoke about various methods of de-addiction and encouraged people struggling with substance abuse to seek timely assistance and counselling.
As part of the awareness programme, the IPR Department screened the prime minister’s message on NMBA and also short films highlighting the ill-effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Earlier in the morning, an anti-drug awareness rally was organised by the police administration led by the SP.
Helpline numbers Tele MANAS (14416) and Sudhar Ghar (0360-2291046) were also shared for people seeking assistance for de-addiction programmes.
ICDS Deputy Durector Jaya Taba, CDPOs, police officials, students of Government Secondary School, Rono Hills, teachers, faculty members of RGU, parents, well-wishers and members of the public attended the programme.
The West Siang district administration observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) with the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan” at Nehru Memorial Government Higher Secondary School (NMGHSS), Aalo to create awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse, and to promote a drug-free society.
Love & Care Rehabilitation Centre founder Gammi Riba sensitised the students to the physical, psychological and social impacts of psychoactive substances, explaining how addiction affects individuals, families and society. He emphasised the importance of early intervention, counselling, rehabilitation and community support in overcoming substance dependence.
SI Lekhi Mena from the Aalo police station elaborated the legal consequences of drug abuse and drug trafficking.
The school’s Vice Principal Yomkar Sora encouraged the students to lead healthy and disciplined lives, refrain from substance abuse, and become ambassadors of the NMBA by spreading awareness among their peers, families and communities.
The participants joined a signature campaign under the NMBA and also took online pledge through the designated portal.
As part of the district-wide observance, mass pledge drives were also organized across schools in the district to reaffirm the collective commitment to a drug-free India.
In Itanagar, more than 600 people took part in a five-km marathon organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Police on Friday to mark the International Day Against Drug abuse, officials said.
The marathon, which commenced at IG Park and went through Niti Vihar, Abotani Colony, the secretariat and C Sector before concluding at the starting point, was organised on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Addressing the gathering, Capital Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar termed the drug menace a global challenge that acts like a “silent terrorist,” destroying individuals, families, and communities from within.
He urged citizens and the youths to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and actively spread awareness to eliminate drug trafficking.
Renowned professional bodybuilder and physique athlete Hillang Yajik encouraged the youths to embrace discipline and fitness as a way of life while staying away from harmful addictions.
Highlighting the dangers of narcotic substances, Capital SDPO Saban Chera said it takes as few as three doses for an individual to fall into the trap of addiction.
Earlier, Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Chamrak Arun highlighted the significance of observing the day to promote a healthy and drug-free society.
In Tawang, the Tawang police station and the women police station jointly organised an awareness programme under the leadership of OC Inspector Nii Angu with the theme ‘To Save the Younger Generation from Illicit Drug Abuse’ at the Government Secondary School Bomba.
The programme aimed to educate students and the public on the dangers of drug abuse while creating awareness about important social and legal issues affecting young people.
Inspector Angu delivered an informative lecture on the POCSO Act, 2012, emphasising the importance of safeguarding children from sexual offences. The session concluded with a pledge to build and promote a drug-free environment.
ASI T Tashi spoke on the issue of ragging, highlighting its harmful consequences, and the need to foster a safe and respectful educational environment.
ASI (SG) S Tsering conducted a practical self-defence demonstration, encouraging participants- especially young girls – to learn basic self-defence techniques for their personal safety and confidence in everyday life.
Lady Constable P Tsomu spoke on the NDPS Act and elaborated the devastating physical, mental, social, and economic impacts of drug abuse, urging everyone to stay away from narcotic substances.
Lady Constable D Jangmu delivered an awareness talk on child marriage, explaining its adverse impact on education, health, and the overall development of children, while stressing the importance of protecting children’s rights.
The programme concluded with all participants taking a collective pledge to work towards creating a drug-free society and protecting the younger generation from substance abuse.
In Tirap district, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Community Health Centre (CHC) in Deomali, in the presence of District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) Dr Jayanti Thingnok, other doctors and medical staff from the Deomali CHC, various primary health centres, health & wellness centres, adolescent school students, representatives from de-addiction centres, and ASHA and auxiliary facilitator workers.
Chairing the programme, District Medical Officer Dr Bimal Ratan highlighted the devastating social and health consequences of drug abuse, and stressed the importance of providing proper guidance and support to the younger generation to prevent them from falling into the vicious cycle of addiction. He also appealed to all stakeholders to actively create awareness about drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the community level.
During the programme, Deomali CHC Medical Officer Dr K Matey delivered a presentation,highlighting the significance of the day and the various types of addictive substances, their harmful effects, and preventive measures.
Students from WRG College in Tirap and Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu (Lohit) also spoke on the occasion and emphasised the need for a drug-free society.
In Lohit district, the Health & Family Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Dhargyeling Tibetan settlement office in Tezu, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Lama Camp.
Over 200 individuals, including government employees, students, and community members from different parts of the district, attended the programme.
DMO Dr CL Manchay spoke on the harmful effects and long-term consequences of drug abuse on physical health, mental well-being, family relationships and society at large. He encouraged continued public involvement in awareness and prevention initiatives across the district.
Lohit SP Thutan Jamba explained the legal implications and consequences of drug-related offences, and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the administration, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, families, and the public to combat the menace effectively.
Sunpura ZPM Gulabso Bellai highlighted the social impact of drug abuse and how substance abuse gradually destroys family structures, affects livelihoods and weakens communities. He called upon community leaders, parents and youths to work together in preserving the society from the influence of drugs.
Tezu ZPM Baplalum Chiba emphasised the need for collective responsibility and community participation in protecting the society from drug abuse.
DRCHO Dr S Towang highlighted the health and social consequences of substance abuse, available treatment and rehabilitation facilities under the Health Department and the importance of early identification, counselling, timely intervention and community support for successful recovery and reintegration.
Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunga Jigmey emphasised the importance of collective action and awareness in addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse in society.
A recovering addict also shared his personal journey of recovery and rehabilitation.
All the participants took a pledge for a drug-free society, reaffirming their determination to discourage drug abuse and support awareness, prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed also by Model English School near Ganga Market, Itanagar on Friday, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.
Addressing the participants, the school’s Principal SK Gupta highlighted the importance of the day and the significance of the theme, ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan’.
Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-Addiction Societydeputy director Tashor Pali threw light on the use, misuse and abuse of drugs among youths and the prevailing and very alarming situation with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh. He cautioned the young generation to avoid getting lured by peer pressure and other reasons, in order to lead a healthy and successful life.
Faculty members of the school – Joram Teresa, Sandeep Kumar and Ashumo Yanthan – deliberated on the issue and urged the students to say no to drugs and to yes to life.
The programme ended with the principal leading all those present in taking a pledge against drug abuse and illegal trafficking.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed also at the SEED de-addiction & correction home in Bolung in Lower Dibang Valley district.
Parbuk SDO Namrata Bhatt Tiwari and Bolung ZPM Gemin Pertin, along with Shantipur check gate OC Bharati Mingki were among the attendees.
On the occasion, noted Adi film director Darbom appealed to the inmates to choose the right path in life. Local panchayat leaders and members of Arsang Siirum Bolung were also present. (With inputs from PTI and DIPROs)
