Students Rally in Jorhat for a Drug-Free Community
Protest Against Drug Abuse in Jorhat
Students carrying placards demanding a “drug-free Jorhat” and strict action against drug peddlers and suppliers.
Jorhat, August 21: A large group of students gathered in Jorhat on Friday, calling for decisive action against the escalating drug issue and urging local authorities to dismantle the networks responsible for the distribution and sale of narcotics in the area.
The demonstration, organized by the All Assam Student Union (AASU) alongside Asom Sena Jorhat district, featured students holding placards and chanting slogans advocating for a “drug-free Jorhat” and demanding stringent measures against drug dealers and suppliers.
Protesters insisted that the government take robust actions against individuals involved in the drug trade and work to identify and dismantle the supply chains operating within and around the district.
During the rally, Bijoy Shankar Bordoloi, chief convenor of Asom Sena, expressed concern that drug dealers and users have tarnished the reputation of Jorhat, a district celebrated for its rich cultural heritage.
“We take pride in our cultural identity in Jorhat. Recently, however, the actions of drug peddlers and users have brought shame to our community,” Bordoloi stated.
He claimed that despite multiple reports to the authorities regarding drug-related incidents, the situation has only worsened.
Bordoloi also pointed out that insufficient enforcement at certain police stations has exacerbated the drug problem. He referenced the murder of student leader Animesh Bhuyan, which occurred just 300 meters from the Sadar Police Station and involved individuals allegedly under the influence of drugs.
He recalled that the former Assam Director General of Police, GP Singh, had promised to make Jorhat drug-free after the incident.
“We reached out to then DGP GP Singh, who assured us that Jorhat would be free from drugs. However, over the past four years, drug use has only increased,” he remarked.
Bordoloi further accused some police officials of not taking sufficient action against drug trafficking. He mentioned that a local MLA had alerted the government in 2025 about the alleged connections between certain police personnel and drug dealers, but no significant action was taken.
The Asom Sena leader advocated for a stronger enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arguing that drug suppliers often return to the trade after being released on bail.
“The NDPS law is too lenient, allowing drug peddlers to escape jail and resume their activities,” he said, urging for discussions at the governmental level to enhance the legal framework and enforcement strategies.
He emphasized that addressing the drug crisis requires more than just police intervention and called for increased involvement from local communities.
Bordoloi suggested that the government should bolster the Village Defence Party model and create anti-drug committees in every panchayat and ward to foster a community-based approach to combat narcotics abuse.
The protesters expressed that the ongoing availability of drugs is severely impacting the youth, with many young lives lost to substance abuse.