By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The arrest of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize by Assam Police has triggered strong reactions and demands for his release from several groups and individuals across Arunachal Pradesh.
Mize, president of the voluntary organisation Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Drugs Warriors (APADW), was arrested by Lakhimpur Police from Itanagar in connection with a criminal case registered at Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district.
Police booked him under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 27(1) and 27(2) of the Arms Act.
According to police sources, the case relates to an incident near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state boundary under Bihpuria Police Station in which Mize allegedly fired from his pistol while confronting a person.
He was later produced before a Judicial Magistrate in North Lakhimpur and remanded to two days in custody.
However, Mize has denied wrongdoing and claimed that he fired warning shots in self-defence after allegedly being attacked with a machete by a suspected drug peddler.
The arrest has prompted widespread reactions in Arunachal Pradesh, where Mize is known for anti-drug awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives and grassroots efforts against narcotics abuse.
Originally from East Siang district, Mize has been associated with anti-drug campaigns across several districts, including Itanagar, Siang and Lower Subansiri.
Supporters and several social organisations have alleged that his anti-drug activities had made him a target of vested interests linked to narcotics networks operating across state borders.
Social activist Amma Bagbi described the arrest as “unfortunate” and said she had personally witnessed welfare and rehabilitation activities carried out by Mize and APADW in Itanagar.
She said families regularly approached the organisation seeking help for children struggling with drug addiction and that Mize had been actively involved in rehabilitation and counselling efforts.
The arrest has also led to growing calls from youth groups, civil society organisations and supporters demanding a fair investigation and Mize’s immediate release.