MEDO, 12 Oct: An awareness programme was organised at the Tamladu festival ground here in Lohit district on Monday to sensitise students and the public to the harmful effects of drug and opium abuse, and the need to prevent illicit poppy cultivation.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy CommissionerKesang Ngurup Damo emphasised that eradicating drug abuse requires sustained and collective efforts and cannot be achieved overnight. He stated that the Police Department is making every possible effort to curb drug-related activities, and stressed the importance of community participation.
Addressing the students, the DC highlighted the harmful consequences of substance abuse, and urged them to stay away from drugs and other harmful habits. He advised them to concentrate on their studies, respect parents, elders and teachers, and show love towards younger ones. He also appreciated media partners for spreading awareness through social media and other platforms.
The programme was organised as part of the district-wide campaign planned during the coordination meeting held on 21 September. The district administration had resolved to strengthen preventive measures before the onset of the opium cultivation season through three-tier task force committees at district, subdivisional/circle and village levels to coordinate awareness activities and discourage illicit poppy cultivation.
ICDS Deputy Director Solel Longling, CALSOM chairman Sokhep Kri, engineer Lupalum Kri, the Lohit ZPC, and representatives of the Women's Welfare Committee also addressed the gathering as resource persons.
The Wakro police station OC explained the important provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. He informed that punishments vary according to the nature of the offence and the type and quantity of narcotic substances involved. He cautioned that prolonged legal proceedings could cause financial hardship, mental stress and loss of valuable time. He also warned that knowingly allowing vehicles or property to be used for drug-related activities could attract legal action.
Dr Nani Kuru from the Medo PHC highlighted the adverse effects of opium and other narcotic substances on the human body, particularly the brain, neurons and nervous system. He explained the serious health consequences of substance abuse, including addiction and damage to vital organs.
Engineer Kri emphasised that awareness alone is insufficient and called for stringent action by all stakeholders within the framework of the law to curb the drug menace.
The DC in his concluding remarks urged the public to report suspected drug-related activities to the nearest police station or the district administration. He also directed the OC to ensure registration of FIRs in appropriate cases in accordance with the law.
The DC further requested SHGs to submit proposals suggesting minimum support prices for locally produced agricultural commodities for consideration.(DIPRO)
