LAZU, SEP 17:
An awareness programme on “Illicit Opium Poppy Cultivation and Drug Abuse” was organised at Lazu Inspection Bungalow on Thursday under the aegis of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, with the District Administration, Tirap, collaborating with the District Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD).
Assistant Commissioner of Tax, Excise and Narcotics Monika Lowang, while welcoming the gathering, highlighted the department’s efforts to curb illicit opium cultivation in the district. She said awareness programmes are being conducted every Saturday to reach out to local communities.
Referring to Lazu’s past association with poppy cultivation, she expressed hope that collective efforts would help the area move towards more sustainable and positive livelihoods.
A recovered addict from Care Me Home De-Addiction Centre shared his experience of overcoming addiction and rebuilding his life through rehabilitation. Now working as an activist, he urged people, particularly the youth, to avoid the path of substance abuse.
Advocate Najen Rangwang, ZPM Lazu; Nanhang Phuksa, ZPM Tutnu; and AOWA president Wanggo Lowang highlighted the impact of drug abuse on families and communities. They called for continued support from the district administration, police and line departments, particularly in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and ensuring better market access for local produce as alternatives to opium cultivation.
District Horticulture Officer Tagom Ronya suggested alternatives including mithun rearing, fish farming and commercial agriculture, and assured villagers of departmental support in adopting sustainable livelihood options.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Padi Payang highlighted the legal consequences of drug-related activities under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He cautioned that illicit opium cultivation can contribute to a wider cycle of addiction and substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik stressed that combating drug abuse requires sustained community participation. He urged villagers to take responsibility at the grassroots level by identifying and discouraging drug peddling in their areas and emphasised the need to protect the younger generation from addiction.
Tawsik assured the gathering that the district administration would continue to extend all possible support towards reducing illicit poppy cultivation and addressing drug abuse in the region.
Assistant Commissioner Lazu NL Naam and Tirap DIPRO Ponung Tasing also attended the programme. Village chiefs, Gaon Burahs, PRI members, students, youths and local residents participated in the programme, reflecting the community’s collective resolve to address drug abuse and illicit opium cultivation. (DIPR)
