More than 100 mothers and sisters took out an anti-drug rally in Tripura hills

Strong campaign against gambling also on cards

A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA: A popular movement is gaining momentum across the hills of Khowai subdivision to prevent the spread of various narcotic items like Yaba tablets and other tranquillizers replacing ganja (marijuana) among the youths.

The BJP-led government, after coming into power, has launched a drive against ganja which was largely successful, and most of the hilly areas are now free from this menace. Unfortunately, instantly a new bunch of narcotic items replaced it and gained tremendous popularity among the youths.

The obnoxious habit spread among a section of youths in the hills of Khowai and poses a threat to the lives of the younger generation. But now their mothers and sisters have taken the initiative to prevent this menace.

The first sign of resistance was witnessed when more than 100 mothers and sisters took out a rally at Tulasikhar on May 13 and raised slogans against the use of narcotics. They also organized a meeting in the market shed and proclaimed that anybody taking such narcotics or resorting to such business will be punished.

On the next day, many others joined them and also caught some of the drug peddlers from Bachaibari, Sombaria Bazar, East Bachaibari and Khatia Bazar; and also warned them of strong action if they don’t stop it immediately.

In the face of strong resistance, the drug users disclosed the names of some of the alleged kingpins of the illegal trade like Litan Debbarma, Amarendra Debbarma, Biswamani and Rathindra Debbarma of Khatiabari and Akhrabari. However, all of them were found absconding.

Not only drugs, but many youths of the area have also been taking to various kinds of gambling like ‘Tir’ and ‘Jhandi munda’. The agitating mothers and sisters said that their resistance movement against such gambling also will continue.

Initially, they tried to prevent such menace with the help of the administration and also informed the authority. Police also raided some of the hideouts of the drug peddlers and gamblers but these were too inadequate forcing the mothers and sisters to take steps to save their siblings and brothers from demoralization.

Also read: Tripura news