Yingkiong, Jan 28: As part of the ongoing effort to combat drug abuse, the Upper Siang district police on Tuesday organized an anti-drug awareness programme at VKV School here.
The event aimed to educate students and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its associated health risks.
SI Kipa Robin from the Yingkiong police station in a presentation on the anti-drug campaign emphasized the importance of continuous efforts from all stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse.
He encouraged students to avoid drugs and engage in physical activities, such as sports, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The students were also shown a short film, 'ROSHNI,' created by the Capital Police, along with various audio-visual clips from movies addressing the harmful effects of drugs.
DySP Gocham Sakter gave an informative presentation on the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012. He explained key provisions of the Act aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Sakter also highlighted the importance of recognizing inappropriate behavior and reporting it immediately to family members, the police, or the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). He also discussed the severe punishments outlined in the Act for offenders.
SI Ojing Moyong shared his personal experiences in dealing with drug abuse cases, advising students to respect their parents and elders, and to heed their advice for a better future.
Advocate Panyang from the district Child Welfare Committee also spoke, advising students to always remain cautious and avoid any form of drug use.
President of the All Upper Siang GB Welfare Association, Akkong Libang, discussed the impact of drug abuse on society. He encouraged students to lead healthy lives and resist the temptation of drugs and bad habits.
He advocated for a collective effort from all sectors of society to address the drug menace in the district and urged the police department to share information about habitual drug peddlers with the GBs, so that it could be circulated among communities to protect the younger generation.
HGB Tanyong Lipir advised the students to focus on their studies and avoid engaging in harmful activities, in order to become responsible citizens.
President of the ABK youth wing Nong Nangu, appreciated the district police for organizing the awareness programme and urged students to share the knowledge gained from the session with their families and friends to help raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.
A concerned mother and representative from the SHGs group also spoke, expressing their support for the district police's efforts in raising awareness about illicit drugs and child protection laws, to ensure a safer future for all children.
The event was attended by members of CBOs, SHGs, GBs, police officers, school staff, Principal Sumithran, Vice Principal, and students from Classes 8 to 10.