Itanagar, August 3: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) proposed a 100-day initiative to combat the rising drug problem in the state. Every Sunday, a ‘Drug-Free Street Show’ will be organized across the state to raise awareness and engage the youth in this mission.
On Sunday, the Governor participated in a virtual interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of the ‘Drug-Free Youth for Developed India Campaign.’ The Prime Minister initiated a nationwide campaign aimed at mobilizing over 10 million youth from more than 10,000 locations across the country, including educational institutions and youth centers in Arunachal Pradesh. This program highlighted the crucial role of youth in creating a drug-free, healthy, and developed India, reiterating the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Following the virtual discussion, the Governor held a meeting with officials, emphasizing the need for a community-based campaign against drug abuse. He advocated for a grassroots approach involving ‘Identification-Advice-Prevention-Skills’ at the village level.
The Governor urged village heads, community elders, and panchayat leaders to identify youth at risk of drug abuse, counsel affected families, and assist in preventing drug use in their villages. He also suggested involving self-help groups (SHGs) in rehabilitation and recovery efforts at the circle level.
Lieutenant General Parnaik further proposed that youth who have overcome addiction be appointed as ‘Anti-Drugs Ambassadors’ to inspire and guide others towards recovery. He referenced the recently launched Rupa Football League – Independence Cup Football Tournament, themed ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football,’ emphasizing the importance of skill development, creative engagement, and increased participation in sports for drug prevention.
He also stressed the use of technology and intelligence monitoring to identify drug trafficking routes, networks, and traffickers. The Governor called for strict enforcement of laws, stating that stringent action should be taken against those involved in drug-related crimes under the Indian Penal Code, 2023, and other relevant laws to secure the future of the nation’s youth.
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