Army, AR observe anti-drug/illicit trafficking day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 27 2024:
Indian Army conducted extensive awareness drives on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 in Upper Assam, Imphal East and Agartala to educate people on the health and social hazards of drugs and the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.
According to PRO Defence, lectures were conducted at schools and a de-addiction centre in Upper Assam focusing on the theme 'The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention', highlighting preventive measures at the grassroots level.
The sessions also stressed on the need for coordinated efforts to combat drug-trafficking and addiction.
In Manipur, the Army organised awareness campaign at Moirangpurel High School in Imphal East district.
The event included a lecture, a poster-making competition, and an interactive session with a doctor.
It was attended by 120 students and seven teachers.
The winners of the poster-making competition were felicitated by the Indian Army personnel.
Similarly, in commemoration of the global observance, Assam Rifles conducted series of lectures and oath-taking ceremonies at Kamakhya Pemton College, Hiyangthang (Imphal West district), Mantripukhri Garrison, at Company Operating Bases in Chandrakhong, Lilong, Singjamei, and Thoubal, according to PRO IGAR (S).
In Sajik Tampak (Chandel district) and a government school at Phundrei (Kakching district), Assam Rifles spread awareness about the wide repercussions of substance abuse on mental, physical, and economic health.
Key points discussed included the impact of drug abuse on public health and safety, strategies employed by Assam Rifles to combat drug trafficking, and the importance of collaboration of Community.
The events concluded with participants taking an oath to support each other and promote a drug-free society, reinforcing the Assam Rifles motto of "Friends of the North East", the PRO said in a release.
Oyer the last year, HQ IGAR (South) has recovered contraband worth Rs 840 crore in Manipur, identified 2,029 acres of poppy cultivation, and destroyed 1,782 acres, it added.