TEZU, Nov 5: The Mishmi Welfare Society (MWS) (HQ-Itanagar) in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority and Department of Health & Family Welfare, Lohit organized an anti-drugs and anti-tobacco awareness meeting with the theme, “My Arunachal, Addiction Free Arunachal” at Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Karma Leki assured to provide full support and cooperation from the District Administration to eradicate the menace of drugs, especially opium from the district.
Appreciating the initiative of the MWS, DLSA and Department of Health and Family Welfare in spreading awareness on the ill effects of drug abuse and its impact on society and individual users, he called upon every section of the society to strive for a drug-free society together.
Superintendent of Police, Isaac Pertin appealed to the public of the district to quit the practice of illegal opium cultivation.
Under the NDPS Act of 1985, opium cultivation on reserved forest is illegal and stringent action can be taken against such cultivators, he said.
Resource person Dr Sachin Parab, Project Director of Global Initiative of Tobacco Awareness from Mumbai highlighted the alarming state of drug abuse cases in India and Lohit district in particular.
The growing drugs menace can be addressed through proper approach and intervention, he said.
Chairman of MWS, Dr Sopai Tawsik, Judge I Basar, Dr B Natung National Tobacco Control Programme DDHS, Sunil Mow GS MWS and DMO Dr Sajinglu Chai Pul also spoke on the occasion.
Departmental heads, public leaders, students, NGOs and senior citizens attended the awareness meet.
