Itanagar, Jun 26: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, Arunachal Pradesh reaffirmed its commitment to combat drug abuse through a series of awareness and community engagement activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
This year’s global theme, “Prevention, Treatment, and Justice System”, highlights the need for a balanced and humane approach to address drug-related issues through awareness, rehabilitation, and systemic reform.
The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs (SJETA), in collaboration with Kripa Foundation, the State Level Channel Agency (SLCA), organized a week-long awareness programme from June 23 to 26 with various activities including school workshops, awareness drives, pledge-taking ceremonies, and signature campaigns aimed at educating youth and the general public about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
As substance abuse continues to be a serious challenge impacting individuals, families, and society at large, officials emphasized that a sustained and collective effort is required to eradicate the drug menace from the state and ensure a healthy, productive future for its citizens.
Doimukh: Gracing the awareness-oriented activities at Govt Hr Sec School here, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav addressed students, urging them to stay away from drugs and prioritize holistic development. Expressing concern over rising drug infiltration through porous interstate borders, she called for multi-agency collaboration to curb the menace.
SP Taru Gusar emphasized collective responsibility in breaking the cycle of addiction, while Deputy Director ICDS Jaya Taba outlined efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
A testimony by rehabilitated youth Taba Mangha from AMA’s Vision Foundation added emotional depth to the programme. Students staged an impactful skit, took the NMBA pledge, and participated in a signature campaign. Winners of essay and poster competitions were felicitated, and a walk-in exhibition showcased various government schemes under the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan.
Sagalee: The local administration organized a public rally and school outreach in Sagalee. Starting from General Ground, the rally ended at Old Market with active participation from officials, shopkeepers, and the public.
ADC Yame Higio, Police Station OC, and school principal addressed students at GHSS, stressing the social damage caused by substance abuse. The event included the distribution of ballpoint pens and sweets, culminating in a collective pledge.
Namsai: At Namsai Town Club, the observance was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and attended by SP, HoDs, teachers, CBOs, NGOs, and student bodies. The DC appealed for community-led clean village initiatives and stressed the importance of united action.
Youth achievers were recognized, and 12 students who excelled in NMBA essay and drawing competitions were awarded. Simultaneously, Chowkham and Lekang blocks conducted rallies, signature campaigns, and prize distribution ceremonies.
In Lower Dibang Valley, the SEED De-addiction and Correction Home, Bolung, DC Fwwrman Brahma encouraged inmates to cooperate with authorities and work towards a productive future.
SP Ringu Ngupok warned against the rising tide of drug abuse and urged inmates to rebuild their lives with confidence and training.
Community leaders including Elison Perying (BJP ST Morcha), Head GB Ade Pertin, and others shared motivational messages. Winners of June's summer sports events were also felicitated.
LIKABALI: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in Lower Siang District with a formal launch of a 100-day campaign against drug abuse under the aegis of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) at the auditorium of Govt HS School Likabali today.
The campaign which commenced today shall culminate on October 4 covering all circles of the district and would focus mainly on important topics like Planning & Mobilisation, Education & Awareness, Prevention & Community Engagement, Treatment & Rehabilitation and Law Enforcement & Policing pertaining to drug abuses.
The event is being organized by the District Administration in collaboration with the District Police, Departments of Health and Women & Child Development of the district.
While launching the campaign against drug abuse in the district, Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Rujjum Rakshap appealed to the people to join hands in the fight against this menace, and said ‘any individual or department alone can’t accomplish this herculean task without involvement of all sections of the society.’
He said that the students and youths are the target groups of the campaign and being the most vulnerable groups they should lead the campaign to every nook and corner to educate the peer groups to stay away from the clutches of drug menace. He further said that the students and youths are the future of the society and they should invariably contribute to the society’s progress instead of being swayed by the drugs and drug addictions.
District Surveillance Officer Dr Gobuk Doke, DRCHO Dr Tai Riso, and CDPO Jikom Doye were the main speakers. PPT presentations focusing on various aspects of drug abuse and related issues were the additional impactful highlights of the launching day.
The resource person of the programme, Kennedy Bagra with his thoughtful speech and well worked out PPT had a very practical and viable session with the members present. He emphasised on the need for educating and sharing required information at all levels on drugs and addiction to arrest the rampant vicious circle of drug abuse and addiction in the society.
About 400 students from the township schools participated in the campaign under the stewardship of DDSE Marte Koyu, Principal Mara and headmasters of all participating schools.
PASIGHAT: The 5th IRBn and SP East Siang jointly organized a prize distribution ceremony at the 5th IR battalion headquarters, Gumin Nagar here today the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Gracing the ceremony as chief guest, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani 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 appreciate the district’s anti-drugs squads and police personnel who work in ground,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP (central range) Hibu Tamang stated that drug addiction amongst youth of the State has been recorded “highest” these days. To prevent and break the chain, it has been necessary for the department of Police to take the harshest level of action against the drug peddlers, he 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.
Group Captain (rtd) Mohonto Panging Pao; Garima, Commandant 5th IRBn, Bn HQs Pasighat; Pankaj Lamba, SP East Siang; Dr Talung Tali, Jt Director BPGH Pasighat; Dr Akanksha Milind Tamgade, SDPO Pasighat; Oduk Tabing, Deputy Director of School Education; Digi Tamuk, president ABK, East Siang District unit; Yamik Dulom Darang, president WASE; and Jaya Tasung Moyong, GS WASE, among others, attended the event.
TEZU: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed with a day-long awareness programme at the Zonal General Hospital, Tezu today. The event, marked by informative talks and heartfelt testimonies, was organised to highlight the growing menace of substance abuse.
Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo graced the occasion as 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 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 Brahma Kumaris 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.
ANINI: The Dibang Valley District Administration marked the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking with an awareness program aimed at ‘sensitizing’ students in Anini on Thursday, rallying support for a united front against drug abuse and seeking to build a drug-free district.
Globally recognized as World Drug Day, this significant date serves as a call to action, mobilizing communities to combat and eliminate illicit drug use worldwide.
SP Manish Shaurya passionately addressed the students, outlining the key objectives of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985. This crucial legislation prohibits all activities related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including production, possession, sale, and consumption. He powerfully underscored the devastating consequences of drug use, declaring, “Yes to Life and No to Drugs.”
Medical Superintendent Rita Mena enlightened the students on the profound dangers of drug abuse, encouraging them to reject any form of addiction.
CDPO Dilip Linggi stressed the urgent need to raise awareness among the youth, particularly school-aged children, as a means to avert the crisis of drug addiction. He called for a robust strategy to eradicate drug dependence in the Mishmi community, where opium addiction and cultivation have taken a “troubling hold” in the hills of Dibang Valley.
A solemn pledge was taken by all students, who vowed to abstain from drugs throughout their lives.
The program also saw the participation of officers including Jally Umpo (SDO), Pemiya Mikro, Kajum Maro, and Anmol Singh (all Cos), Lamwang Aran (DTO), along with principals and students from various schools in Anini. (DIPROs)