International Day Against Drug Abuse was observed in Mokokchung and Noklak with rallies, awareness drives and youth engagement programmes.
DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in Mokokchung and Noklak through awareness programmes promoting drug-free living, youth engagement and community participation.
In Mokokchung, the Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, a sister organisation of Brahma Kumaris, in collaboration with its Medical, Education and Youth wings and 12 Assam Rifles, organised a youth awareness and wellness programme on the theme "Drug abuse prevention & value-based living" at Hantry Hall, Assam Rifles Ground, on June 30.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ajit Kumar Verma said drug abuse remains a major social challenge that requires collective action from families, educational institutions, community organisations and government agencies.
He stressed the importance of value-based living, emotional well-being, counselling and rehabilitation, while calling for a government-funded rehabilitation centre. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and appealed to parents, teachers and community leaders to work together in preventing substance abuse.
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After the event, an awareness rally carrying the message "Say no to drugs, choose life" was flagged off by the DC from Assam Rifles Ground to Police Point near Ao Baptist Church, Mokokchung.
Meanwhile, in Noklak, the district administration and Social Welfare department, in collaboration with the Noklak District Badminton Association, organised a two-day badminton tournament on the theme "Say no to drugs, say yes to sports" at the Multi-Discipline Stadium, commencing on June 26.
Advisor for Taxes P Longon, speaking as the special guest during the inaugural programme, urged young people to stay away from drugs by engaging in sports and other constructive activities, while DC P Mono Khiamniungan called on citizens to support efforts to break the drug supply chain.
District Programme Officer, Social Welfare department, Noklak, Ajongla Temjen cautioned that traffickers increasingly use social media and mobile applications to target young people and urged youth to resist substance abuse.