Correspondent
PASIGHAT, 2 May: As part of its ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse in Mebo subdivision in East Siang district, the Mebo Dolung Drugs Mimak Team conducted an awareness meeting at the Mebo community hall on Thursday.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with the anti-drug squad of the district police under the supervision of East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba. The special campaign formed part of Operation Dawn-2.0, which focuses on building healthy communities through localised sustainable development goals.
Addressing the meeting, SP Lamba said the campaign against drug abuse is gaining momentum, with several local organisations stepping up awareness efforts against drug trafficking. He said that drug intake by the youths is “influencing criminal activities, which is causing massive disturbances to local societies.
“If the drugs menace is not addressed in time, it may spoil the future generations,” the SP said, and encouraged the anti-drugs volunteers to act responsibly within the law.
He also sought active cooperation from all sections of people in this regard.
Dr Oson Borang said that the drug habit is not only spoiling addicted youths but also creating trouble for their family members and the local societies. He asked parents to regularly monitor the activities of their children and keep them away from detrimental practices such as drug consumption and misuse of mobile phones.
“Once one becomes addicted to contraband drugs, it is very difficult to get back to the mainstream,” Dr Borang said, and urged the elders to play a responsible role in guiding youngsters in the right direction.
Mebo Dolung Drugs Mimak Team’s general secretary India Rukbo informed that drug abuse cases in the area is declining after they intensified the ‘Nasha Mukt Mebo Abhiyan’.
He appreciated the contributions of eminent persons of Mebo area, including Dr Kaling Tayeng, public leaders Mowha Borang and Kitem Tayeng, and advocate Nong Ratan for their active support.
Among others, Mebo Banggo-I ZPM Amping Ratanand Mebo village Head GB Tokrom Ratan also spoke.
