sivasagar drugs
Image: Northeast Now

Santak Army Camp under the aegis of Dao Division observed the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on Wednesday in the Mautgaon village in Lakwa Gram Panchayat of eastern Assam’s Sivasagar district.

Also read: Assam, Mizoram should join Tripura in fight against drugs: Biplab

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26 to strengthen global action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Observance of this day aims to raise awareness to fight against the substance abuse as well as the unlawful trade of drugs.

Also read: Manipur vows to fight drugs menace and illicit trafficking

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was first observed by the UN General Assembly in 1987.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

It was an initiative by the Army under Operation Sadhbhabna to increase support for prevention of drug use and to provide a healthy atmosphere for the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

The event began with an introductory speech by the chairman of the village self help group about the relevance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Also read: Tripura: BSF cycle rally to create awareness on international day against drugs

The introductory speech was followed by a discussion which dwelled upon the present day scenario with respect to the drug dependence and the harmful effects it leaves on our body and the society. The attendees included locals, women and youth from the nearby villages.

Drug abuse is one of the most serious health problems.  Besides causing serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, it has several side effects in the form of economic loss, antisocial behaviour such as stealing, violence and crime besides social stigma and overall downfall of the society.

The attendees also participated in the host of events with full enthusiasm and spirit. A lecturette competition was conducted for the youth which saw participants speaking their mind on various social issues.

The event culminated with the thanksgiving speech by army representatives from Santak Army Camp

The ladies and locals appreciated the efforts made by the Army and said that conduct of such events in the school would certainly go a long way in boosting the awareness levels of the general public and would certainly go a long way in promoting the harmful effects of the drug usage. The event saw an attendance of over 150 people.