YINGKIONG, 31 Jul: The Upper Siang district police convened a district level NCORD Committee meeting at the DC office here on Friday to review the action taken by various stakeholders and discuss new initiatives for strengthening anti-drug campaigns across the district.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang underscored the need for a realistic and coordinated approach to achieving the goal of a drug-free Upper Siang. He called upon all stakeholders to intensify their efforts through greater collaboration, sustained awareness campaigns, and community participation.

The meeting also deliberated on the issue of poor network connectivity and its adverse impact on public services and government functioning. The deputy commissioner directed the BSNL SDO (Telecom) to ensure early restoration of non-functional BSNL services in the affected areas, and to upgrade network bandwidth wherever necessary to meet the growing communication needs of the people.

Emphasising the importance of community participation in combating substance abuse, Jerang instructed the departments concerned to compile a list of NGOs, SHGs, women’s groups, and other community-based organisations, so that a separate meeting could be convened to formulate a comprehensive and coordinated anti-drug awareness strategy.

District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Karo Teng presented the status of the Drug De-Addiction Centre, Yingkiong and highlighted the government’s upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and support services for individuals affected by substance abuse.

Several suggestions were offered by DSP Gocham Sakter, Sikiing Koje Charitable Society chairperson Dr Mity Jopir, Yingkiong CDPO Nitnam Padun, District Horticulture Officer Oter Gao, BSNL SDO (Telecom) Prasad, Inspector (RI) Olom Apang, and ABK representative Ogam Patuk.

They shared their views on enhancing awareness, promoting community engagement, and adopting a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively address the growing menace of drug abuse in the district.

All stakeholders of the District NCORD Committee attended the meeting. (DIPRO)