GUWAHATI, June 26 - As Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed his message to the people of Assam on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reports from our Correspondents have trickled in about observance of the day in several parts of the State.
The Minister informed that the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26 each year to raise awareness on the issue. It should be our endeavour to ensure that the youth of Assam do not fall prey to this deadly habit. All efforts should therefore be made to make them aware about the catastrophic consequences of drug abuse.
He added that this requires concerted efforts of the Home, Excise, Social Welfare, Education and Health & Family Welfare departments, besides a common action plan. He invited the youth to be a part of the massive drive to eradicate drug abuse from society.
IN KOKRAJHAR: Along with the rest of the State, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed with a day-long programme by the Kokrajhar district administration.
A procession was taken out throughout the town, which started from the Kokrajhar Basic Training Centre. A sizeable section of the local citizens from different walks of life joined the procession which was flagged off by BTC Deputy Chief Kampa Borgoyari in the presence of Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Madhab Prasad Sharma, Superintendent of Police Shyamal Prasad Saikia, BTC Executive Member Doneswar Goyari and other invited guest and dignitaries.
As per the itinerary, a speech competition on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, besides contests on art, one-act play along with a seminar were also held.
IN NALBARI: The Nalbari district administration too observed the Day with an awareness rally through the main thoroughfares of the town.The rally started from Nalbari Hari Mandir premises and was flagged off by Dr Om Prakash, Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari.
The awareness rally was addressed, among others, by Superintendent of Police Dr Bedanta Madhab Rajkhowa. The rally ended at the premises of Nalbari Zilla Parishad Office where an awareness meet was subsequently held. A street play was also performed on drug abuse to generate public awareness.
IN TINSUKIA: The Tinsukia district administration generated awareness about the ill affects of drug abuse by organising an awareness meeting at the District Library auditorium.
The meeting was addressed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Diganta Saikia, Dr Biswajit Borthakur and Dr Jayanta Bhattacharyya. They enlightened the audience about the various ill effects of drug abuse and its resultant effect among individuals, family and society.
They appealed to one and all to help in the war against drug abuse at every evel. The meeting was attended by students, ASHA workers and people from every strata of society, besides Additional Deputy Commissioner Santana Chetia, Additional SP Lamhao Doungel, District Welfare Officer Renumoni Devi and District I&PR Officer Hem Chandra Pathak.
Later, an awareness rally was also taken out, while street plays were enacted in different parts of the town.
IN DERGAON: The occasion was marked by a day-long programme at the Police Training College (PTC).
A seminar on �Drug Abuse and its Impact� was also held under the aegis of PTC Principal Pradip Pujari, where six research papers on drug abuse were presented. The Medical and Health Officer of PTC, Dr Gunuttam Bora presented a paper on �Drug Abuse and its Impact on Health�, while Mafijur Rahman of PTC presented a paper on �Drug Abuse in Assam�.
Similarly, Inspector K Bania presented a paper on �Legal Provisions against Drug Abuse under the Drug Abuse Prevention Act 1985�, while Inspector K Singh presented a paper on �Illicit Trafficking of Drugs�, even as SI LE Mazhui presented a paper on �Economic Impact of Drugs� as SI W Kafo presented a paper on �Social Impact of Drugs�.
The seminar was moderated by Dr Porag Thakur and attended by all the Commandants and other officers, besides staff of all the training units within the complex.
IN PATACHARKUCHI: A procession was taken out under the aegis Patacharkuchi Police Station in order to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The procession was formally inaugurated by Munindra Narayan Goswami. In his opening speech, he appealed to the gathering to be aware against the dreaded problem of drugs, which he claimed had crippled the society. A large number of people took part in the procession and distributed leaflets.
Later, an awareness meeting was organised under the aegis of Nisajukta Aru Madak Drabya Nibarani Parishad�s Barpeta district unit at Tangkarkur.
IN CACHAR: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed by the Cachar district administration and various other associations. A rally was taken out from the office of the Deputy Commissioner which witnessed a large turnout of youths carrying placards with messages to quit the habit of drug consumption. The main function was held at the District Library auditorium.
Addressing the gathering, Cachar Deputy Commissioner S Vishwanathan said, �community participation is essential to end the menace of drug abuse from society.� He expressed concern on the movement of drugs into the valley from the neighbouring countries and also from bordering States.
The Additional SP of Cachar along with officials from the Department of Education, Nehru Yuva Kendra, District Social Welfare Department, Jyoti Kendra, Deaddiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre and members of various NGOs, including Netaji Chatra Yuba Sanstha, Nabajyoti Foundation and Disha Foundation also took part in the function.
The day was also observed at the Sadar Police Station and all police outposts of the district amidst awareness meetings on the ill effects of drug abuse. Suggestions were sought on how to rehabilitate the addicts.
