Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: A peaceful awareness rally was organised at Chakma Basti–I in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday against the growing menace of drug abuse, opium (kani) addiction, illegal cultivation, child trafficking and early child marriage.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from youths, women’s groups, village leaders and residents from Chakma Basti–I, II and III. The programme aimed to raise public awareness and strengthen collective responsibility towards protecting children, safeguarding families and securing the future of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Sushil Chakma, Gaon Burah of Chakma Basti–I, expressed serious concern over the rising impact of drugs on society. He said addiction was destroying the lives of young boys and girls and leading to broken families, financial hardship, health complications, crime and even death. He urged the community to remain vigilant and work together to stop drug peddling in the area.
Speaking on the issue of opium (kani) addiction and illegal cultivation, Uttam Chakma, president of the , warned about its rapid spread in nearby regions. He stated that opium addiction weakens the younger generation physically and mentally, affects productivity and work culture, and often results in legal consequences. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities in eliminating illegal opium cultivation.
Bipin Roshan Chakma, general secretary of APCYA, highlighted the growing threat of child trafficking within rural communities. He said that children are often taken away under false promises of employment and later forced into unsafe and exploitative situations. Stressing the need for collective responsibility, he said the protection of children must remain a top priority for every villager.
On the issue of child marriage, Champa Chakma, president of the Mahila Samiti, said early marriage continues to deprive young girls of education, expose them to health risks and increase the chances of domestic violence and social insecurity. She called upon mothers and women’s groups to stay alert and actively prevent underage marriages in the village.
During the rally, speakers and participants voiced concern over the growing social problems linked to drug abuse and opium addiction. They noted that increasing addiction among youths was destroying families and pushing many parents to send their children away as domestic helpers due to financial pressure. Participants also pointed out that family conflicts, separation and violence were becoming more common, while child trafficking was gradually entering the community through false employment promises.
The gathering questioned whether such developments represented the future the community wanted for Chakma Basti. Speakers reminded the public that the village had been built through the hard work and sacrifices of their ancestors, and called upon the present generation to protect its identity, safety and social harmony.
The organisers clarified that the rally was not directed against any individual but against harmful habits and illegal activities affecting society. Participants collectively pledged not to allow drug peddlers to operate in the village, to oppose opium addiction, to protect children from trafficking, and to extend support to families affected by addiction. They also assured full cooperation with the administration and police in tackling such issues.
The programme concluded with a strong message of unity and collective action. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Chakma Basti safe, healthy and drug-free while working for the welfare and development of future generations.
