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