ITANAGAR : The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Friday with rallies, awareness campaigns, seminars, pledge-taking ceremonies, signature drives, motivational talks, film screenings, sports events and community outreach programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The programmes, held in line with this year’s theme, “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan,” highlighted the importance of collective action involving government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement authorities, civil society organisations and the community in combating substance abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free society.
In Itanagar, the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs observed the day at the State Banquet Hall under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in compliance with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The programme was attended by over 250 participants, including around 160 students from schools across the Itanagar Capital Region, teachers, government officials, representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recovering addicts.
Addressing the gathering, Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Secretary Dani Salu called upon the youth to become torchbearers of a developed India by staying away from drugs and actively contributing to society. He also stressed the role of parents in providing proper care, guidance and emotional support to children during their formative years.
He administered a mass anti-drug pledge and urged students to maintain good health, sound values and a disciplined lifestyle.
The programme featured motivational films on drug abuse, while recovering persons from Sudhar Ghar, Kripa Foundation and Deepak Nabam Living Home shared their rehabilitation journeys.
Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Director Yumlam Kaha, Kripa Foundation Senior Counsellor Kenjom Doji and Deepak Nabam Living Home Chairman Deepak Nabam also addressed the gathering.
Prominent social workers Deepak Nabam, Ramesh Jeke, Rupa Bayor and Sonam Zomba were felicitated for their contributions to society. A signature campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was also organised.
In Leparada district, the Reincarnates Fellowship Group, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Recovery Community and with the support of the district administration and Leparada Police, organised a series of awareness programmes.
The observance began with a drug awareness rally from Old Market to Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Basar, followed by an awareness programme highlighting the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse.
Leparada IAS (Probationer) Ritika Chitlangia and Leparada Superintendent of Police Dr Thuptan Jambey urged students to stay focused on their studies, resist negative influences and become ambassadors of awareness within their communities.
A friendly cricket match between Yubo Youth Cricket Club and recovering addicts was also organised under the theme “Yes to Sports, No to Drugs,” promoting sports as a healthy alternative to substance abuse.
The day was also observed at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Deomali, under the chairmanship of Tirap District Medical Officer Dr Bimal Ratan.
The programme featured a presentation by CHC Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr K. Matey on this year’s theme, various addictive substances, their harmful effects and preventive measures. Students of WRG College, Tirap, and Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu, also delivered awareness speeches.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bimal Ratan highlighted the social and health consequences of drug abuse and stressed the need for timely guidance and community awareness to prevent addiction among the younger generation.
Tawang Police Station and Women Police Station jointly organised an awareness programme at Government Secondary School, Bomba, under the theme “To Save the Younger Generation from Illicit Drug Abuse.”
The programme, led by Tawang Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Nii Angu, focused on drug abuse as well as other issues affecting children and adolescents.
Inspector Nii Angu delivered a talk on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, while Assistant Sub-Inspector T. Tashi spoke on the harmful effects of ragging. Assistant Sub-Inspector (SG) S. Tsering conducted a self-defence demonstration, Lady Constable P. Tsomu explained the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the impact of drug abuse, and Lady Constable D. Jangmu highlighted the adverse effects of child marriage.
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to work towards a drug-free society.
The West Siang district administration observed the day at Nehru Memorial Government Higher Secondary School (NMGHSS), Aalo, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan.”
The programme began with the screening of awareness films highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of prevention through informed choices and community participation.
Founder of Love & Care Rehabilitation Centre, Hissam, Gammi Riba, delivered a technical session on psychoactive substances, explaining their behavioural effects, withdrawal symptoms and long-term impact on individuals, families and society. He emphasised the importance of early intervention, counselling, rehabilitation and community support in overcoming addiction.
Aalo Police Station Sub-Inspector Lekhi Mena spoke on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, explaining the legal consequences of possession, consumption and trafficking of narcotic drugs. He urged students to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies in building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, NMGHSS Vice Principal Yomkar Sora encouraged students to lead disciplined and healthy lives and become ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by spreading awareness in their communities.
The programme concluded with participants taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, signing a signature campaign and submitting the online NMBA pledge. Similar mass pledge drives were also conducted in schools across West Siang district with the support of the Education Department.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Lohit district, in collaboration with the Dhargyeling Tibetan Settlement Office, observed the day at the Community Hall, TPHC, Lama Camp, Tezu, with the participation of over 200 officers, students and members of the public.
Welcoming the gathering, Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunga Jigmey stressed the importance of collective action and awareness in addressing drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among the younger generation.
District Reproductive and Child Health Officer-cum-Nodal Officer of Sudhaar Ghar Dr S. Towang highlighted the health and social consequences of substance abuse and spoke about available treatment and rehabilitation services, stressing the importance of early intervention, counselling and community support.
Lohit Superintendent of Police Thutan Jamba elaborated on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and called for coordinated efforts by the administration, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, families and the public to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Recovering addict Sangay Phuntsok shared his personal journey of rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of family support, professional treatment and social acceptance in overcoming addiction.
Addressing the programme, Lohit District Medical Officer Dr C.L. Manchay highlighted the long-term health and social consequences of substance abuse and urged continued public participation in awareness and prevention initiatives.
Sunpura Zilla Parishad Member Gulabso Bellai and Tezu Zilla Parishad Member Baplalum Chiba also called for greater community participation in preventing drug abuse and protecting society from the menace.
The observance concluded with participants taking a pledge for a drug-free society, reaffirming their commitment to supporting awareness, prevention and rehabilitation efforts across the district.
