Rajkhowa bats for comprehensive anti-opium policy

from our corresspondent

ITAGAR, May 14: Aruchal Governor J P Rajkhowa on Friday suggested the state government to come up with a concrete and comprehensive anti-opium policy to contain opium mece in the state.

The governor’s suggestion came when a two-member delegation from Upper Siang district chapter of Aruchal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) led by its President Mekem Nopi called on him at Raj Bhavan and placed before him the peril of opium addiction and rampage poppy cultivation in the district.

Rajkhowa while expressing deep concern on drug related challenges in the state advised the Tax & Excise Commissioner Dr B M Mishra to bring out a comprehensive proposal, a Raj Bhawan communiqué informed.

Mishra during his tenure as deputy commissioner in Lohit district did a commendable job in opium eradiation in the district.

Appreciating the efforts of the NGOs in different parts of the state, particularly the laudable work carried out by the Upper Siang Chapter of APWWS, the governor suggested that drug awareness should be introduced in school curriculum.

Taking cognizance of the points raising by the women group, he exhorted them to continue their crusade. He wished that other NGOs of the state would also emulate their good works towards a drug-free society.

Earlier, the women representatives appraised the activities of the NGO in destroying the opium fields and organising awareness campaigns in various villages of the district.

They further informed that they have been doing all these interventions on their own without the fincial assistance from the state government and requested the governor for monetary help, the communiqué added.