Khliehriat, Jun 24: East Jaintia Hills District joined the nationwide fight against drugs with a bike rally held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Organised by the District Social Welfare Officer under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the rally was flagged off from the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises in Khliehriat by Additional Deputy Commissioner A Nongbri.
The riders proceeded along the Lad Sutnga-Ladrymbai route before culminating at Rymbai Village.
Addressing the gathering, Nongbri said the rally aims to spread awareness among residents, particularly the youth, about the menace of drug abuse. He noted that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched on August 15, 2020, reminds citizens that freedom means freedom from social evils like drug addiction too.
“Drug abuse continues to be one of the major challenges confronting the district. Although police have detected numerous drug-related cases, the problem continues to affect society,” Nongbri said. He stressed the need for active participation from government departments, NGOs, community groups, educational institutions and the public to achieve a drug-free India.
Nongbri also announced that a rehabilitation centre will soon be set up in the district to assist individuals affected by drug addiction. The centre will support recovery and help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Earlier, participants and dignitaries took a pledge to combat drug abuse, led by R Patlong, Programme Manager of Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association, Khliehriat.
District Social Welfare Officer R Bareh and other officials were present at the event.
