Arunachal University of Studies takes steps to curb drug menace in the State

Namsai, June 26, 2015

The state government has taken up the drugs menace in the state on a priority basis and had expressed its interest to rope in the various bodies including policy makers, law enforcement officials and others like NGOs, academicians, social and health workers and Gaon Burahs (village heads) to address the issue. Several districts of Arunachal Pradesh district have been growing opium for centuries for consumption and for use in rituals and medicines.

Nearly all the villages of hill districts in east Arunachal Pradesh, which has borders with China and Myanmar, have opium cultivation. Opium is cultivated on several kitchen gardens in several districts. This has given rise to drug addiction among the locals especially the tribal folk and youth who do not have access to education and welfare policies of the government.

Arunachal University of Studies embraced upon the responsibility of this sensitive issue and also conducted a National Workshop on Narcotics-Use and Control with reference to Arunachal Pradesh. Prof. (Dr.) G. N. Pandey, the Vice Chancellor of the University, who was recently in Itanagar, spoke about the initiatives started by the University and stressed upon the bulk consumption of narcotics in Arunachal Pradesh and explained about the harmful effect of narcotics on the youth and the society. He said the opium grown in these districts makes its way not only into the domestic market in a raw form but also enters the international drug trade.

He suggested development of horticultural crop, medicinal plants, and aromatic plants as a safeguard. He was of the view that 39.9 per cent of the people are willing to give up the opium cultivation if any viable cash crop was introduced with the support of the government.

He emphasized that the awareness programs such as Meetings, Competitions, Workshops, Seminars will be organized by the University from time to time. Awareness programs can also be conducted in schools and colleges in the district. All faculty members and students are being made aware to spread information regarding harmful effects of narcotics.

Prof. (Dr.) G. N. Pandey also stressed upon the need of educating the local villagers and farmers on narcotic laws. He said they need to understand the gravity of their crimes.

He was of the view that involvement of the village authorities/Local Bodies can play active roles in controlling the cultivation of opium around Namsai. He also said that evolving and providing a whole range of community based services for the identification, motivation, detoxification, counseling, after care and rehabilitation of addicts will go a far way in controlling the menace. Steps like to promote collective initiatives and self-help endeavors among individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction and considered at risk will of immense help.

He also spoke about some of the local tribes of Namsai whose 67 hectares of land are under Opium poppy cultivation under the Chowkham and Piyong circles of Namsai district. It is, also to note that Namsai is more approachable by the neighboring district and Assam. Thus, it acts as a hub to the drug peddlers and the illegal trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic Substances.

The Vice Chancellor said that the Arunachal University of Studies has come to Arunachal Pradesh, not only to provide academic excellence but also as a hub to enhance the society through its several social responsibilities.

On behalf of Arunachal University of Studies

Sd/-
Registrar