ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Arunachal Pradesh today joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 themed “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crisis” across the State, with a slew of activities marking the occasion.
In the main function at Naharlagun, the Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-addiction Society (APDDAS), Directorate of Health Services organized a pledge taking ceremony to mark the Day.
State programme officer, APDDAS, Dr Riken Rina, highlighted in brief the aims and objectives of the Day.
DHS Dr M Lego stressed on the need to impart valuable knowledge and information regarding substance use disorder and its ill-effects. Later, Dr Lego led the house in taking the pledge –‘Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs’.
Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Tame Phassang appealed to the society to join hands to fight against drug abuse, while attending the walkathon from Naharlagun to Itanagar, organized by the Mother’s Vision - an Aalo-based NGO on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking.
The Mayor appreciated the team Mother’s Vision who came all the way from Aalo (West Siang district) to organize the event to create awareness on drug abuse. “Drug menace is one of the major challenges in the society, which not only ruins the abuser but also the family and the whole society. It can be eradicated only through awareness and prevention and our fight is against the drug menace, not with the addicted person, So, I appeal to each and everyone to join hands to fight against the drug menace,” he said.
While flagging off the walkathon, the Mayor also participated in the event along with Corporators and Commissioner IMC and created awareness in various locations like Yupia Junction, ‘O’ Point- Itanagar, and Akashdeep Market. He also assured to extend all possible help to the organization to create awareness for a drug-free society.
Earlier, Mentor –Mother’s Vision Kennedy Bagra informed that the Recovery Club (a team of recovering addicts) under Mother’s Vision, is organizing a three-day inter-state ‘Drug Problems and Substance Abuse’ awareness campaign. The event was carried out on the concept of 'Beyond Boundaries’. The objective of the programme is to create awareness of drug problems & their implications, he added.
At Itanagar, the138 Bn CRPF organized a programme ‘addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises and sharing drug facts, save lives’ at its Senki View headquarters. Later, an awareness rally was taken out from the HQs to IG Park here, which was participated by Sukhvir Singh, Second-in-Command, Vedpal Singh, Dy Commandant, officers and children of 138 Bn.
ZIRO: The entire Ziro valley reverberated with anti drugs slogans as hundreds joined the ‘Nasha Se Azadi’ rally, organized by the Lower Subansiri district administration in collaboration with Tax and Excise department, Tanw Supuñ Dukuñ (TSD) and Apatani Womens’ Association to mark the conclusion of the ‘Nasha se Mukt Pakhwada’, which began on June 12 last.
The rally culminated at Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, Hapoli where all the participants were administered the anti-drug pledge.
Addressing the gathering, DC Bamin Nime gave a clarion call to the participants to keep up the momentum in the fight against drugs.
He appealed to the public to be proactive in reporting drug peddling cases to the district police and the DA, while assuring complete anonymity of the informers.
TSD president HK Shalla advised the student participants from various government and private schools of Ziro to disseminate information about the ill-effects of drugs to their family and friends.
Rapper group G Jackal also performed to a few songs with the message ‘Stand up against Drugs’.
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PASIGHAT: The District Health Society East Siang under the department of Health & Family Welfare observed the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking here at the auditorium of Bakin Pertin General Hospital today.
Attending as chief guest, DC TayiTaggu administered a pledge to fight against drug abuse to the participants, including the ‘recovering’ inmates of Drug-De Addiction & Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Pasighat.
Terming drug abuse as a serious concern for the society & future of the young generation, the DC said that the burning issue is one of the priorities of the District Administration.
The WASE (Women Against Social Evils) is truly working selflessly in this field, he said and urged all CBOs & every member of society to join hands in creating awareness and support the fight against drug abuse.
East Siang SP Sumit Kumar Jha, the guest of honour, said that drug abuse is the causes of many vices & crimes in society and called for innovative mechanisms & targetted plan in all fronts, mentorship and also spoke on the role of parents, family & society as whole.
Jt Director, BPGH & TC, Dr T Tali spoke on harmful effects and negative health impacts of drug abuse in particular, while adding that there is no future in drugs. Hepatitis is rampant among IV drug users, he further added.
ABK (apex) secretary general OkomYosung informed that ABK with support of NGOs will soon formulate an action plan to combat the drug abuse, while WASE general secretary Joya Tasung Moyong said that WASE will continue to devote its effort for saving young precious lives from the clutches of drug abuse in spite of all hurdles.
Group song by the WASE mothers and ‘K4 Kekho Rap’ (song) by recovering youth from DDRC, Pasighat were other highlights of the Day.
TEZU: The Lohit district administration in coordination with the department of Tax & Excise and Narcotics organized a procession and a seminar today to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebration.
The procession involving all HoDs, admin officers, delegates of students and teachers, sports associations, PRI members, Gaon Burahs and police escorts, started from the District Secretariat and ended at Amik Ringya Hall.
Later, a seminar on the topic of drug abuse was held with ZPM Tezu Balong Tindya, which was attended by over 300 people and hosted by Abraham Modi, CO (Dev).
On the occasion, Mibom Kaye, Superintendent of Tax, Excise and Narcotics spoke after which the gathering took an e-pledge guided by L Choker, Insp TE&N.
Dr Sopitot Towang, SMO, representing the Health department, gave a presentation detailing the process of drug addiction and medical rehabilitation.
Adv C W Mantaw spoke on the legal aspects of drug abuse/trafficking, and dwelt on the challenges faced to bring cases to conviction.
Former CE (PHE) Lupalum Kri, speaking on the occasion, urged the Mishmi community to move away from opium cultivation for the betterment of the society.
Deputy Commissioner Lohit Marge Sora and SP Minjom Ete among others also spoke on the occasion.
YINGKIONG: To mark the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022, a mini marathon themed ‘No to Drugs, Yes to Life’ was organized by Upper Siang District Police, which saw active participation of police personnel and public, especially the youth.
Later, the winners of the mini marathon were distributed prizes by Upper Siang SP Jummar Basar.
RAGA: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today at Govt Hr Sec School, Raga which coincided with the culmination of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ fortnight.
The programme was organized by the District Administration in collaboration with Tax & Excise Department, Kamle.
DC Kamle Adong Pertin, in his speech, appealed to all participants to disseminate information about the ill-effects of drugs and psychotropic substance abuse to the people, including the schools and villages of the district. “Since, you all are the future of the district, state and the country, please say ‘Yes to Life and No to Drugs’, " he appealed to the students.
He also asked them to spread the message to their friends who are studying in interior schools of the district. The menace of drug abuse and addiction has a devastating effect on a family and society and, so, we all must be vigilant against it.
‘The International Day against Drug Abuse’ pledge was administered to the participants by the DC.
The Day was also observed in Dollungmukh sub-division of the district, which was organized at Dollungmukh PS.
BOMDILA: ‘Nasha se Azadi Pakhwada’ under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan culminated today with the observance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the Hr Sec School, Bomdila and various administrative circles of West Kameng district.
The District Administration, the District Police and NGOs like MMT during the observance of Nashe se Azadi fortnight carried out various awareness campaigns including destruction of wild cannabis growth in various parts of the district.
Interacting with the students and teaching faculty of HSS Bomdila, CO Tenzin Yangchen encouraged the students to pledge against the use of tobacco and drugs and to organize groups amongst themselves for mutual counselling and help their friends and family members to fight against the menace.
The campaign culminated with a pledge to fight against drug abuse and tobacco consumption. Nodal Officer NMBA invited the members present and through social media to take e-Pledge for the same.
BASAR: The denizens of Leparada district joined the rest of the country to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, marking its participation through a series of activities. A devoted Counselling Unit was inaugurated at District Hospital, Basar by local MLA Gokar Basar in presence of ZPMs - Nyato Riba and Miken Basar and team of officers led by DC Leparada and others besides the team of GRK and District unit of APWWS, both of whom have been proactively working since long for lifting youth out of ill- effects of substance abuse.
Speaking at the event, the MLA thanked the whole team specially DMO Dr Karrik Basar for fructifying the vision of a dedicated Counselling Centre within a short time.
A one day workshop was also organized at SFS school, Basar Addressing the gathering, the MLA sharing inspirational story on being addiction free called upon the citizens of the district to solemnly work towards a substance abuse free society.
He highlighted how time can be utilized by an addiction free person for positive actions and for progress in life. He also called upon the youth to be careful and avoid the pitfalls of lethargy brought upon by substance abuse so that their career progression is not barred by negativity brought on by substance abuse.
He stressed upon the importance of sports for a healthy mind and healthy body.
DC Mamata Riba, praying for a healthy environment, urged the gathering to use the experiences and knowledge garnered in the course of the workshop and fortnight long observance, not only to keep oneself in discipline but to also use it in multilateral forums to help fellow persons overcome substance abuse.
Thereafter, a 5-km-long plogging, a special workshop for the hospitality sector etc were also conducted.
In his keynote address, SP P N Thongdok, presenting a PPT on substance abuse and ill-effects thereof, called upon the youth to steer clear from all illegal activities associated with substance abuse.
On the occasion, prizes were distributed by the MLA and the ZPMs to the winners of an essay writing contest on the subject of overcoming substance abuse, coming from various schools of Hr Sec level from across the district .The event was organized on 17th June by the DA in collaboration with the DDSE.
The culmination of the NSAP observance in the district was marked by taking of pledge by the participants, pledging not only to abstain from drug abuse but also to help the affected fellow mates, friends & family members overcome substance abuse. The pledge was administered by the MLA.
CHANGLANG: With an endeavour to help the locals from remote areas and to make their future bright, the Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) today conducted a awareness campaign on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ themed ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ at Changlang town and its various areas of deployment near Indo-Myanmar Border of Changlang district.
Around 250 local inhabitants from various villages of the district near Indo-Myanmar border attended the awareness campaign, which was aimed at imparting knowledge regarding alcohol addiction, drug abuse, ill-effects of drugs in the human body. The focus was also on “solutions” for addicts to come out of it and resettle life with a positive attitude.
The locals attended the lecture, which was conducted by a team of doctors, officers and Junior Commissioned Officers of Changlang Bn. This campaign was carried out at Khimyong, Ranglum, Manmao, Yongchik and at Changlang town.
The awareness campaign was “beneficial” as the participants expressed their gratitude to the Changlang Ban of AR and also appreciated the efforts put in by them. (With inputs from DIPRO)