ITANAGAR, Sep 18: With an eye on ‘better’ dealing with the issue of drug menace, Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor has made a strong pitch for a separate and independent drugs de-addiction center in the Itanagar Capital Complex.

He was speaking at the campaign on ‘Say No to Drugs and Itanagar Safai Abhiyan’, organized by the District Administration ICC in collaboration with NCORD (Narcotics Control Coordination and Rehabilitation Division) and Corporator ward no 8 at Gandhi Park, Upper Niti Vihar here today, as part of the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Phassang said that it is the duty of every citizen to realize their duty towards their State including its capital. Through such platforms, we can only encourage people to come forward and do their bit in making our state drug-free and clean but, it ultimately requires a collaborative effort from all sections of society.

He also highlighted various initiatives of the State Government to make the State corruption free and a better place to live in.

Speaking on the occasion, Capital DC Talo Potom appealed to all to work on the theme ‘Say no to drugs and Itanagar Safai Abhiyan’ in actuality.

Oli Koyu, State Nodal Officer NCORD and Deputy Narcotics Commissioner informed about the programmes and policies of the State Government and also highlighted the legal aspect regarding the punishment of drug addicts upto 1-3 years and several drug related offences under various sections of NDPS Act. He informed that a State policy has been framed and the Narcotics department will function independently in the State.

He explained why it is important for the parents to devote their time to their children and to constantly monitor them especially with the opening of schools after almost a period of two years of pandemic.

He also informed that it is important to give up the social stigma attached with the drug addicts as it can be cured like a disease with support of the family and society as a whole.

He echoed that both the drug menace and ‘Safai’ needs a collaborative effort from all.

Dr Pulin Kabak Nabam, MO (RBSK) highlighted the health aspect of a drug addict which gradually kills the body, then the mind and then the person. She explained how it affects the central nervous system thereby affecting their sense of understanding, which eventually results in losing ability to understand anything.

She also briefed about a few common signs/symptoms of a drug addict that would help people to identify such cases and would help in early detection of the same.

Earlier, Corporator Ruhi Tagung also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)