Pasighat: The East Siang district units of the Adi Ba:né Ané Kébang (ABAK) and Adi Ba:né Kébang (ABK) organised an awareness programme on drug abuse and other social issues at the Kiyit village community hall under Mebo sub-division on February 23.
The programme covered three villages — Kiyit, Ngopok and Borguli, and focused on issues including drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, crime against women, alcohol and tobacco consumption, education, prevention strategies, protection measures and law enforcement.
Resource persons included Oson Borang, Kentai Pangkam, advocate Nyame Dabi, Kayang Megu Borang and Akai Chama, Officer-in-Charge of Mebo police station. The speakers addressed the gathering at length on the topics assigned to them, emphasising the social and legal consequences of substance abuse and related crimes.
Papa Tayeng of Kiyit village and Mohan Tamut of Oyan, described as a recovery warrior, shared their personal experiences with Kani (opium) and drug addiction, urging the youth to stay away from narcotics and other harmful substances.
Residents of Kiyit, Ngopok and Borguli expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for sustained awareness efforts in the region.
Miti Megu Perme, president of the Adi Ba:né Ané Kébang, East Siang district unit, urged the public, particularly the youth, to take collective responsibility in eliminating social evils and safeguarding their communities. She appealed for concerted efforts to build a drug-free society in the villages, the district and Arunachal Pradesh as a whole.
Dijhi Tamuk, president of the Adi Ba:né Kébang, East Siang district unit, advised villagers, especially young people, to pledge to stay away from drugs, HIV/AIDS-related risks, alcohol and tobacco.
Pak Ratan, Head Gaon Bura of Kiyit village and chairman of the programme, expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the awareness drive and pledged to work towards eradicating social evils, particularly Kani and drug abuse, in the area with the goal of achieving a drug-free village.