The entire north-eastern region due to its long porous international border and its proximity to the golden triangle has been a route for international drug trafficking and as such the region has been flooded with drugs and now “drug users”. It is no wonder that a recent survey found this area high in drug usage but what’s more distressing is the fact that most drug users are in the productive age group of 18-35 years; the loss in terms of human potential is incalculable. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral and intellectual growth of the youth is very high.

In recent times there has been an escalation of drug usage especially among the youths and so has been the movement for curbing this menace of epidemic proportions. Conscientious citizens and law enforcers have launched several campaigns from raiding shops to destroying poppy and cannabis fields across the state. The gravity of the problem is palpable to one and all.

Indigenous Arunachalee society has had a long association and accessibility with intoxicants, be it in the form of local wine, opium etc. In olden days they were grown for personal consumption but presently most cultivators who are women carry the legacy due to the commercial perks and to sustain families. In this context, alternate livelihood generation must be a prime focus to curb the trend rather than just issuing directives and destroying standing fields. Case in point is the once opium producer, Anjaw district which has turn into a producer of large cardamom, and with a financial turnover of nearly 12 crore during the financial year 2010-11, many locals are giving up opium and turning to growing this much-sought after spice.

Though it is difficult to do away with traditions at a go but through more awareness raising programmes people must be dislodged from such harmful practices. But above all the need of the hour is for understanding the emotional requirements of the youngsters incorporating guidance and counselling. Steps must be taken not only to address drug-users and vulnerable targets but equal emphasis must be given for the proper rehabilitation of de-addicts so that they can make a comeback to mainstream society and lead fulfilling lives.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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