Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday called upon the people of the state, especially the youths, to join hands with the state government in the fight against drug abuse and asserted that if the society remains in the vicious grip, future of Arunachal Pradesh will never be bright.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day 41st Annual College Day celebration of Dera Natung Government College here, Khandu said the State Government is determined to eradicate drug abuse from the society but it cannot do it alone.
“If youths, who are the future of the state, fall into the drug-trap, our future will be bleak. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every member of the society to join hands against this evil,” he said. While revealing that drug addiction has become a major challenge for the state, mostly affecting the youth, Khandu informed that the State Government has adopted the Arunachal Pradesh Psychoactive Substances Policy 2021.
“We are dealing with the problem with three principles: Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction and Harm Reduction. Enforcement is being strengthened with strict action against drug peddlers and commercial middlemen. De-addiction centers are being developed while we are mainly focusing on counseling, early detection and empowering communities through promoting alternative crops for livelihood,” he said.
He added that de-addiction and rehabilitation centers will have skill development and training facilities so that once cured the youths can join the mainstream with sustainable livelihood skills.
“Government and I as CM can’t solve everything. A social movement, where all of us speak in one voice, walk in one pace, dream of a common goal, is the need of the time,” he emphatically said.
Lauding the college students for the excellent parade and a beautiful mega dance presentation braving the heavy showers, Khandu said, it exuberated the positive energy of the young students.
“This positive energy should radiate from our youths through all stages of life. I can vouch that you will successfully face all challenges that life is sure to throw at you,” he said.
Responding to a three-point memorandum submitted to him that demanded construction of a new parking shed for at least 1000 two-wheelers, a public gallery with steel roof and capacity of 1000 people and construction of a mini indoor sports complex, Khandu assured that all projects will be sanctioned within this financial year.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Home Minister Bamang Felix, an alumnus of the college. Also present on the occasion were the College Principal Dr MQ Khan, faculty members, corporators, representatives of All Nyishi Students’ Union, students’ union of the college and parents.
