Dhemaji: At least 20 youths from Oyan and nearby villages in Arunachal Pradesh‘s East Siang district, bordering Assam, have overcome their addiction to drugs after receiving treatment at rehabilitation centres.
The recovering youths spoke at a meeting organized by the Oyan Bane Kebang on Tuesday. They acknowledged their mistakes and expressed their determination to build a better future. They have formed a “Recovering Club” and are working to establish a new rehabilitation center to help others struggling with addiction.
The Oyan Village Defense Party (VDP) led by Suraj Pait, ZPM Bimol Lego, and village headmen (gaonburahs/gaonburhis) spearheaded the initiative to help the addicted youths return to normalcy.
The meeting, chaired by Sille-Oyan Circle officer Duggong Apang, resulted in a series of resolutions to combat the drug problem in the Sille-Oyan area. These resolutions included taking legal action against drug peddlers, users, and consumers.
Circle Officer Apang advised Oyan village authorities to compile a list of individuals involved in the drug trade. He suggested summoning them for “bonds” to ensure they abandon their illegal activities. He emphasized a “public boycott” against families who disregard the village authority’s regulations.
Oyan Bane Kebang president Mojit Pao, explaining the meeting’s purpose, expressed concern about the detrimental effects of drug use on the lives of young people. He pledged to petition the state government for rehabilitation programs for those who have recovered from addiction.
Oyan ZPM Bimol Lego vowed to continue the fight against drug abuse until it is eradicated from the area. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from the local administration, police, village heads, VDPs, and government officials.
Senior villager Boken Pao, addressing the gathering, urged young people to avoid drug use and other destructive behaviours. He said their role as the nation’s future resource and their responsibility to safeguard their families, communities, and future generations.
Oyan head GB Jatin Bori, other village heads, VDP president Suraj Pait, social worker Kamol Norah, public leader Tajom Mibang, PK Noroh, and senior citizen Sadin Pait all spoke at the meeting, pledging to eradicate drug abuse and social evils from their village “within this year.”