HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, June 26: Arunachal Pradesh joined the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, reaffirming its commitment to combat the growing menace of drug addiction through awareness, community engagement, and collaborative action.
The observance, held annually on June 26, aims to strengthen international cooperation and awareness on drug-related challenges under the theme “Prevention, Treatment and Justice System.”
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According to an official statement, the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA), in collaboration with Kripa Foundation—the State Level Channel Agency (SLCA)—marked the day with a series of events held across the state as part of a week-long campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
Activities included workshops, school-based awareness programmes, pledge-taking ceremonies, and a signature campaign between June 23 and 26.
Speaking at the event, SJETA Director Yumlam Kaha made an appeal to all sections of society to join hands in eradicating drug abuse and addiction.
Emphasising the urgency of united action, Kaha said, “Drug and substance abuse is a serious problem that adversely affects not just the health of individuals but the social fabric of society. While the challenge is global, we must address it through local action, with community involvement being key.”
Kaha outlined that the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy focusing on awareness, education, and rehabilitation.
“Our goal is not only to prevent addiction but also to support the reintegration of those affected back into society by reducing stigma and discrimination. Arunachal Pradesh is striving to build a supportive ecosystem through capacity building, research, training, and innovation in the field of de-addiction and rehabilitation,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts, the SJETA Director noted that Arunachal Pradesh has undertaken various steps to develop human resources and support services to address the issue.
“A conducive environment is being created to facilitate data collection, training, and awareness to support this mission.”
Kenjom Doji, senior consultant at Kripa Foundation, also addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of community-led efforts in addressing drug-related challenges.
“We understand that total eradication of the drug menace requires a comprehensive network of community-based services that cover identification, motivation, counselling, detoxification, aftercare, and rehabilitation. Recovery is not just physical—it requires emotional, psychological, and social healing,” he said.
Doji further informed that the state government is committed to framing and implementing policies that focus on reducing drug demand using a multi-agency approach.
“Departments such as SJETA and Health play a key role in coordinating efforts and clearly outlining responsibilities among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the State Action Plan.”
Sharing insights into the recent awareness drive, Doji said, “Kripa Foundation, in collaboration with SJETA, carried out intensive activities under the NMBA from June 23 to 26. These included interactive sessions in schools, workshops on drug prevention, and mass signature campaigns to spread awareness and encourage youth participation.”
He concluded by reiterating the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against drug addiction.
“We may not solve everything in a single day, but sustained, coordinated efforts involving all sections of society can bring lasting change. Mass awareness is our strongest weapon in reducing drug addiction across the state and the country.”
The observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse in Arunachal Pradesh served not only as a platform to raise awareness but also as a call to action for government agencies, civil society organisations, and citizens to build a healthier, drug-free future together.
