Itanagar, Jun 26: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday with various programmes to raise awareness against drugs. 
Doimukh: At Government Higher Secondary School, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav advised students to stay away from drugs and focus on their overall development. “Children should engage in activities that support both mental and physical well-being,” she said, urging students to prioritise their studies and actively participate in co-curricular pursuits. She also called upon parents to extend emotional and moral support to their children, especially in today’s challenging environment.
She further expressed concern over the recent CBSE results and reminded students that clearing Class X is the basic minimum for most employment opportunities. She also announced that administrative officers and DDSE officials would regularly visit schools to interact and guide students.
Highlighting a key concern, the DC noted that Papum Pare’s porous interstate boundary has been contributing to the infiltration of interstate drug rackets—an issue that demands immediate and coordinated intervention. While acknowledging the efforts of the police department, she 
SP Taru Gusar stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in combating drug abuse. “Drugs are breaking families, destroying societies, and devastating an entire generation,” he stated while appealing for greater public cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and addiction.
Jaya Taba, Deputy Director, ICDS, outlined the ongoing initiatives under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in the district. 
A moving testimony was shared by Taba Mangha, a rehabilitated youth representing AMA’s Vision Foundation, who recounted his successful journey of recovery and transformation.
The event also featured a powerful skit by students of Government Secondary School, Banderdewa; Screening of videos on NMBA and HMLA Nabam Vivek’s special message for youth and parents; Administration of the NMBA pledge to all participants and signature campaign against the drug menace.
The winners of the essay writing and poster competition held as a part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) campaign were also felicitated during the program.
A walk-in exhibition was also organized, showcasing initiatives by the WCD and Police Departments underthe NMBA campaign since its launch.
The exhibition also highlighted essential entitlements being promoted under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, including Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat Card, PM-KISAN benefits, Jan Dhan accounts, scholarships, and various social security schemes.
Tezu: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed with a day-long awareness programme at the Zonal General Hospital, Tezu. The event, marked by informative talks and heartfelt testimonies, was organised to highlight the growing menace of substance abuse.
Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, the DC expressed grave concern over the increasing rate of drug use among youth and attributed peer pressure as one of the primary causes. He emphasized that the path to addiction often begins with casual experimentation, usually under the influence of friends, and gradually leads to a destructive lifestyle.
He appealed to all present, especially the youth and students, to stay away from drugs, which can destroy both their future and their families. He also stressed that drug abuse is not just a law-and-order issue but a deep-rooted social and health crisis that requires collective action from all segments of society.
He also lauded the work of various NGOs and de-addiction centers in the district for their commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of recovering addicts. He reiterated that society must treat addiction not as a stigma but as a curable condition that needs compassion and structured support.
The programme featured enlightening talks from several key resource persons. Dr. S. Towang provided an overview of the medical and psychological dimensions of addiction, elaborating on the various types of substances commonly abused and their long-term impact on physical and mental health. 
DySP Maga Tago spoke from a law enforcement perspective, detailing the kinds of drug-related offences encountered in the region and the importance of timely community reporting. He also emphasized the role of the police in preventive education and rehabilitation support. 
Superintendent of Tax and Excise, Debi Ete, offered an informative session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, its legal provisions, and enforcement mechanisms.
The event also witnessed emotional and impactful testimony from recovering addicts associated with various NGOs, who candidly shared their experiences of struggle, breakdown, and recovery. Their stories served as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of drug dependency and the power of community and willpower in overcoming it. 
Representatives from Brahmakumaris and the Arunachal Mishmi Women’s Welfare Society (AMWWS) also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of spiritual values, inner strength, and familial support in keeping youth away from harmful habits.
Sagalee: The Sagalee administration organized a series of events to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. These events aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote a drug-free society.
A rally was held starting from General Ground Sagalee and culminating at Old Market, Sagalee. The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including Head of Departments and Offices, Officials, Members of Bazar Welfare Committee, Shopkeepers and General Public.
During the rally, awareness about the drug menace was disseminated, and participants were encouraged to utilize the National Narcotics Helpline No. 1933. The event concluded with a pledge against substance abuse.
A separate awareness programme was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Sagalee. The programme saw active participation from teachers and students. Key speakers, including the ADC Sagalee Smt. Yame Higio, Officer-in-Charge of Police Station Sagalee, and the Principal of the school, delivered awareness messages about the impact of substance abuse on social life.
PASIGHAT: The 5th IRBn and SP East Siang jointly organized a Prize Distribution Ceremony at the 5th IR Battalion Headquarters, Gumin Nagar, Pasighat, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event began at 7:30 AM and witnessed the presence of many prominent dignitaries and enthusiastic students.
On the occasion, Guest of Honour, Hibu Tamang, IPS, IGP (Central Range) stated that drug addiction amongst youth of the state is recorded highest these days. To prevent and break the chain, it has become necessary for department of Police to take harshest level of action against the drugs peddlers, he added. 
Smt. Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Siang, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In her address, she appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, especially among the youth. She also encouraged students to stay focused, be responsible citizens, and say No to Drugs. To break the chain of drug menace, it is necessary to eliminate peddlers first which is the root cause, for that I really appreciated the district anti-drugs squad and police personnel who work on the ground, she added.
The ceremony included a series of awareness talks, motivational messages, and prize distributions for various competitions conducted to promote anti-drug themes.
Students from various schools participated in the event, showcasing their creativity and many students received medals and certificates for their outstanding participation in various competitions like painting, slogan writing, and essays on anti-drug themes. The event also featured motivational speeches and cultural performances carrying a strong message of “Say No to Drugs.”
The initiative highlighted the collective resolve of the police, administration, educators, and civil society to combat the menace of drug abuse and build a healthier, drug-free community. Namsai: Anti Narcotics Day was observed at Namsai Town Club under the Chairmanship of DC Namsai in presence of SP, HoDs, Teaching Faculties, CBO, NGOs representative, WWS, SHGs,ATKSSU, DSU, Labour Union, Recovery addicts and Students. 
DC Namsai in his address appealed for Clean and Drugs Free Village. He then gave appreciation letter to promising youths and award and certificates to the winners of Drawing and Essay Competition to 12 students of Namsai Block under NMBA.  
In the same way, Rally and awareness activities was conducted at Chowkham and Lekang Block with Signature Campaign and prize distribution to winning students of recently held Drawing and Essay writing Competition. 

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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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