Arunachal: Drug menace should be viewed as a disease, says Khandu

Bordumsa: The ins and outs and pros and cons related to drug abuse ought to be treated seriously more as a disease than a psychotherapist or substance addiction, said the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu.

Khandu was addressing the people at the 40th Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi — a dance festival of the Singpho community here at Namgo Model village in Namsai district on Wednesday afternoon.

The annual mega event — the cultural extravaganza commenced on 12th February and would conclude on the 15th.

Referring to the menace of drugs in Namsai district, Khandu urged all the stakeholders to play their respective parts for a healthy cure availing different avenues which the state government has already opened up after devising an effective mechanism to curb the menace.

The Chief Minister in his address to the people of the Tai-Khamti Singpho community of Namsai and Changlang district also urged them to take up measures for the effective preservation and promotion of their rich culture and identity.

He said, “Youths, in particular, can play a pivotal role in educating the younger generation and protect the sanctity of their own tradition, culture and rich historical legacy”.

Several MLAs and Ministers of his cabinet including the legislators of the neighbouring constituencies along with MP East Tapir Gao were also present during the celebration period.

Pasang Dorji the speaker Arunachal Legislative Assembly also accompanied Khandu in the festival..

Throwing ample light on various people-oriented welfare initiatives of the state government, Khandu said that the state of Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Saha would develop manifold in the days to come.

“The nature of challenges and expectations also differ with the change of place and topography”, said Khandu while delineating the various issues.

Suggesting the local entrepreneurs avail benefits of the government schemes like Deen Dayal Swavalamban Yojna etc and promote the tourism sector of the state.

“Unlike places with hilly terrain like Tawang, Namsai has an abundance of land resources and potential scope for agri-horti which the people should utilise at its optimal level”, urged Khandu, adding that Namsai would soon be connected to Railways.

Meanwhile, narrating the success story of the double-engine BJP Government, the Chief Minister did not miss the opportunity to appeal to the electorates of the Namsai district to elect all three BJP candidates and an MP candidate from the eastern segment in the forthcoming crucial election slated in 2024.

Highlighting the need and essence of experienced leaders in the government the Chief Minister said that Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein is one of the senior-most experienced leaders who helps build a vibrant economy and accelerate development through teamwork.

Khandu remarked “So long Modi remains at the centre so would Mein do in the state here” added further “We need him in the governance”.

However, Khandu assured all possible help as sought through a memorandum submitted by the Singpho community said that the community must work together towards the promotion of their own dialect, tradition and culture and effectively escalate the identity of the community globally.