AALO, Jul 30: Tax & Excise Minister Jarkar Gamlin advised the district administration, police and the public of West Siang to make joint efforts to check the growing drugs menace in the district.
Gamlin held a meeting with the district administration, police, public and various NGOs here on Monday to seek opinions on ways to check the menace.
“Growing drugs abuse and alcoholism among the youths disturbing the peace in the society has become a major cause of concern, which needs to be checked,” he said.
Gamlin said the drugs problem can be contained “if we will be able to check the sources of drugs, especially the peddlers.”
The minister also took strong exception to reckless driving by young boys, particularly after 9 pm, and asked the police department to put an end to it.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner Swetika Sachan said “strong strategic plans are being drawn” to check the flow and use of narcotic substances, while SP Jummar Basar informed that a few drug addicts currently in jail have expressed willingness to go for rehabilitation.
Resource person Kennedy Bagra spoke about the ill effects of drugs, and the treatment facilities for addicts.
NGO Mothers’ Vision chairperson Jumde Yomgam Gamlin, EAC Liyi Bagra, Aalo Town Peoples’ Welfare & Development Society chairman Kento Ete, and officials of various government departments shared suggestions to stop the drugs problem.
Awareness prog conducted
Meanwhile, NGO Women Against Social Evil (WASE) conducted an ‘anti-drugs awareness campaign’ at Leku Jelom in Dhemaji district of Assam on Sunday.
The WASE, which has been campaigning there since 5 July, said Leku Jelom is an important area for the campaign as it neighbours Arunachal Pradesh and drug peddlers allegedly penetrate the Siang region through this route.
“According to sources, 80 percent of drugs, such as brown sugar, ganja, heroin and decolic tablets come from this region,” the WASE said.
During the awareness campaign, the WASE general secretary appealed to all the women of the area, especially mothers and grandmothers, to come out and openly fight against drugs and start a wave against drugs from Pasighat to Leku Jelom, Laimekuri and other places, till it is completely rooted out.
Also attending the programme, retired Assam health services joint director Dr J Doley spoke on drug abuse, its signs and symptoms, and how to take care of an addict.
Retired DSP Suroj Doley and the president of the Jonai Drug Nilbaroni Oikya Mancha told the gathering about the NDPS Act, and the penalties and punishment for sellers and for sheltering and transporting drugs.
Senior citizens, gaon burahs, PRI leaders, and members of NGOs and women organizations of nearby areas also attended the awareness meet. (With input from DIPRO)
