‘Project Pratighaat’ to contain drugs menace gains momentum in Arunachal Pradesh

 OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The ‘Project Pratighaat’ launched by Tirap district police in Arunachal Pradesh this year, aimed at mobilizing people to create awareness on the negative impact of drug abuse, has gained momentum in the district. The project, which was launched on August 23 this year with a monumental meeting in Deomali, was followed by another three meetings at Khonsa town, Borduria, and Soha police station areas of the district. Another such meeting was organised at Tutnyu village in the district on Wednesday by the district police in collaboration with the Zilla Parishad chairperson (ZPC), Tirap superintendent of police (SP) Rahul Gupta informed. Gupta, along with the ZPC Chathong Lowang, project director Nangram Pingkap, Lazu circle officer D K Thongdok, village leaders, gaon burahs, and the chairperson of Care Me Home Society Songtung Bangsia, attended the event along with other stakeholders.

The SP explained the goals of 'Project Pratighaat,' which includes women volunteers counselling young people with drug addiction, working alongside Lazu police station staff. Gupta encouraged the people to share information about drug dealers, promising confidentiality. All speakers in the meeting urged the community to unite against drugs and support the district police. The circle officer asked the public not to grow opium in the upcoming winter season and called on village councils to admonish those who support drug dealers. Dignitaries at the event praised the efforts of women volunteers who have engaged themselves in door-to-door counselling in Deomali and Khonsa, lauding their dedication and commitment to the cause.

Since its inception, the programme has involved women's workers and police visiting homes to counsel those affected by drug addiction. So far, 83 people in the district have received counselling, the SP informed. Remarkably, 14 addicts in the district have joined treatment centres, with more in queue to join rehabilitation centres soon, he added. Women-led NGOs in the district have shown great enthusiasm for the effort, which aims to eliminate drug abuse and empower women. In the past two months, the district police have arrested 16 peddlers and seized 171 grams of heroin. Additionally, Tirap District Police have cracked down on drug peddlers, arresting 16 peddlers and seized 171 grams of heroin worth over Rs 10 lakh in the past two months. "As the district police and community continue with 'Project Pratighaat,' all are resolved to remain committed to a drug-free, empowered society. Together, we are making progress towards a healthier future for Tirap," the SP added.

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