Itanagar, Aug 2: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Sunday called for a sustained, community-driven campaign against drug abuse while participating in the nationwide launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Governor joined the Prime Minister's virtual interaction with youth from Lok Bhavan in Itanagar as the Prime Minister launched the 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign, addressing more than one crore young people from over 10,000 locations across the country, including educational institutions and youth centres in Arunachal Pradesh.
The campaign aims to mobilise youth and communities in the fight against substance abuse while promoting the vision of a drug-free India as an essential pillar of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Following the virtual programme, the Governor held discussions with officials and proposed organising 'Nasha Mukt Street Shows' every Sunday for the next 100 days across the State to spread awareness and encourage active public participation, particularly among young people.
Emphasising that the fight against drugs must begin at the grassroots, the Governor advocated a 'Detect-Counsel-Prevent-Skill' approach. He urged Gaon Burahs, community elders and Panchayat leaders to identify vulnerable youth, counsel affected families and work collectively to prevent drug abuse in villages.
At the circle level, he recommended involving Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rehabilitation and recovery initiatives. He further suggested that recovered individuals be designated as 'ADA – Anti-Drugs Ambassadors' to inspire others to overcome addiction and lead healthy lives.
Highlighting the importance of constructive engagement, Parnaik stressed that skill development, employment opportunities and greater participation in sports and youth activities are among the most effective tools for preventing drug abuse. Referring to the recently launched Rupa Football League–Independence Cup Football Tournament, organised under the theme 'Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football', he reiterated that sports can play a transformative role in keeping young people away from substance abuse.
The Governor also called for the extensive use of technology and intelligence-based surveillance to identify drug trafficking routes, dismantle supply networks and curb illegal distribution. He asserted that individuals involved in drug-related offences must be dealt with firmly under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant laws to safeguard the future of the nation's youth.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu joined the Prime Minister's programme virtually from Tawang and appealed to the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to become active ambassadors of the nationwide movement.
In a message shared after the event, Khandu said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has transformed the fight against drug abuse into a true Jan Bhagidari movement. He noted that the 100-week campaign would inspire millions of young people at over 10,000 locations across the country to collectively pledge to remain drug-free and contribute towards building a developed India.
The Chief Minister urged every young person in Arunachal Pradesh to actively participate in the campaign and encourage their families, friends and communities to embrace a healthy, disciplined and drug-free lifestyle.