Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on 3 August called for sustained, collective action against drug abuse at the state-level launch of the '10 Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign' in Itanagar, asserting that no single institution can win the fight against substance abuse alone. The event, organised by the Brahma Kumaris at its RajYoga Centre in Jollang, was held under the theme Nasha Mukt Bharat, Nasha Mukt Arunachal.

What the Home Minister Said

Natung emphasised that combating the illegal drug trade requires the active involvement of families, educational institutions, civil society, youth organisations, law enforcement agencies, spiritual bodies, and every responsible citizen. According to an official statement, he described a united social response as 'indispensable for building a healthier, more disciplined, resilient and empowered Arunachal Pradesh.'

He urged citizens across all sections of society to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Mission SPANDAN (Spiritual Partnership Against Narcotic Drug Abuse), framing the prevention of youth addiction as a shared civic responsibility. Awareness campaigns, value-based education, and community engagement, he said, are central to securing a drug-free future for the state.

Police and Academic Voices

Director General of Police (DGP) Arunachal Pradesh Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, who also addressed the gathering, stressed that law enforcement alone cannot eradicate substance abuse without sustained public participation. He called for coordinated efforts spanning government departments, police, local communities, educational institutions, and social organisations.

Rajiv Gandhi University senior Professor Jayadeba Sahoo argued that the fight must extend beyond policing to encompass value-based education, emotional resilience, mental well-being, and spiritual empowerment. He asserted that true national progress depends on the character, discipline, and consciousness of its citizens.

Key Arrests Underscore the Challenge

The campaign launch coincided with a late-night enforcement operation in which Arunachal Pradesh Police intercepted and arrested a suspected drug peddler, seizing 9.29 grams of suspected heroin in a coordinated operation conducted under the NDPS Act. The operation was carried out by the Banderdewa Police team.

Home Minister Natung, in a social media post, said: 'I appreciate the dedicated efforts of the Banderdewa Police team for their professionalism and vigilance. Together, we remain committed to building a drug-free Arunachal Pradesh.'

About the Campaign

The event was attended by Senior Pathologist Sopai Tawsik, former MLA Larbin Nasi, senior government officials, members of the Brahma Kumaris, educators, youth representatives, and students, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to an addiction-free society. The campaign is part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which seeks to mobilise citizens through awareness, education, preventive interventions, and community participation, with a particular focus on protecting youth.

With drug seizures continuing alongside awareness drives, the state's dual approach — enforcement and education — will be tested by how effectively institutions coordinate in the months ahead.