AALO, SEP 28:

The monthly meeting of the District-level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD), West Siang, was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Monday to review measures for preventing drug abuse and strengthening coordination among stakeholders.

Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi chaired the meeting. Superintendent of Police and NCORD Convener Kardak Riba informed the committee that the Police Department has been conducting drug awareness programmes in both township and remote and vulnerable areas of the district.

Riba said NCORD teams have also been conducting checks and taking action against drug peddlers and those involved in drug-related activities. He urged all members and stakeholders to regularly upload details of awareness programmes and related activities on the designated portal, stating that such entries would serve as official records. He also appealed to the public to share information on drug-related activities with the police, assuring confidentiality of informants.

Chairperson of Mothers’ Vision stressed the need for regular drug awareness programmes among girls in schools and colleges, while Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) President Kennedy Bagra highlighted the importance of collective efforts to prevent drug abuse among the younger generation.

District Medical Officer Dr Linya Lollen urged residents to prevent accumulation of stagnant water in and around their homes and maintain cleanliness and a healthy environment.

Loyi appreciated the Police Department, NGOs and other stakeholders for their efforts to check the inflow and spread of drugs in Aalo and West Siang. He directed the NCORD team to properly document and report drug-related activities and asked the DDSE to strengthen drug awareness programmes in schools, with content tailored to different age groups.

The DC also highlighted the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in grassroots-level intervention and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in awareness activities and share information and photographs through appropriate platforms.

He called for sustained and coordinated efforts involving government departments, educational institutions, Panchayati Raj institutions, police, NGOs and the community to address drug abuse in the district.

ADC Kamba Ejum Angu, Padma Shri awardee and Chairperson of Mothers’ Vision, Kennedy Bagra, and APWWS President also spoke at the meeting. Police officers from various branches, NGOs and other NCORD members attended.