AASU Advocates for Enhanced Drug Rehabilitation Measures in Assam

Statewide Anti-Drug Awareness Rally

Guwahati/Nalbari, Sep 15: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organized a significant anti-drug awareness rally across the state on Tuesday, urging for stricter regulations on rehabilitation centers and more robust actions against drug trafficking.

AASU president Utpal Sharma emphasized the necessity of reviewing the operations of rehabilitation centers in Assam, raising concerns about their oversight and management.

“A thorough evaluation of rehabilitation centers is essential. Many individuals who were previously accused of drug addiction are now managing these facilities. What standards are being upheld?” Sharma remarked during a press briefing regarding the rally's goals.

He expressed doubts about the existing regulations governing these centers and cautioned against allowing them to become “drug hubs.”

“These issues are no longer isolated incidents,” Sharma stated, advocating for a comprehensive drug rehabilitation framework under government oversight to facilitate treatment for a larger population.

“Involvement from experts and officials dedicated to this cause, along with proper medical care, is crucial as we advance scientifically,” he added.

Sharma noted that the rally aimed to raise awareness among youth and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts involving the government, local organizations, student unions, and the community.

“We must change the dire situation in Assam,” he asserted.

Pointing to the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent, Sharma mentioned that Assam's geographical location near countries like Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar raises alarms about its potential use as a narcotics transit route.

“We have not been as effective in this fight as we should be,” he admitted.

While he welcomed the Assam government's initiative to create a dedicated narcotics cell, he insisted that it must be empowered to take decisive actions. He also proposed that anti-drug education be integrated into school curricula.

AASU chief adviser Sammujal Bhattacharya stressed the necessity of public involvement in addressing the escalating drug issue in Assam.

“The rising drug use in Assam is a cause for concern. Community efforts are vital to combat this problem,” he stated.

Bhattacharya called for in-depth discussions and awareness about the detrimental effects of drugs at home and in schools, followed by stringent actions against drug traffickers.

“We will continue our protests and rallies,” he affirmed.

In Guwahati, the rally was spearheaded by the Kamrup (Metro) district unit of AASU, commencing from Shaheed Nyas in Uzan Bazar, with similar events organized by AASU units statewide.

In Nalbari, AASU conducted a parallel anti-drug awareness rally, which started at Nalbari Shaheed Bhawan, traversed the town, and returned to the starting point.

Nalbari unit of AASU joining the state-wide awareness rally (Photo: AT)

AASU vice-president Bhawajit Bezbaruah stated that the “dangerous disease” of drug abuse in society must be eradicated promptly.

Nalbari district AASU president Nirozuddin Ahmed questioned the lack of urgency in arresting drug dealers compared to land and police station brokers.

This statewide initiative follows the Guwahati Declaration, which was recognized in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, aimed at enhancing cooperation among BRICS anti-drug agencies to combat illicit narcotics trafficking.