Agartala, June 24:
Warning that narcotics trafficking and drug consumption have emerged as a growing social and security challenge in India’s strategic northeastern region, Tripura’s Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy and West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar on Wednesday called for a collective societal response to combat the menace, asserting that government action alone cannot eliminate drug abuse.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a rally organized in Agartala to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the both the Minister and the high official highlighted the changing nature of the drug problem in the state, which shares international borders with Bangladesh and lies close to the notorious narcotics-producing “Golden Triangle” region of Southeast Asia.
Dr. Vishal Kumar said Tripura was once largely considered a transit corridor for narcotics moving across international routes. However, recent years have witnessed a worrying trend where drug trafficking networks are increasingly linked to local consumption.
“Earlier, drugs largely passed through the region, but now consumption has also become a concern. The challenge has intensified over the last few years due to instability and law-and-order issues in neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar and Bangladesh,” he said.
The District Magistrate noted that Tripura’s geographical location places it in a sensitive zone vulnerable to cross-border trafficking, making enforcement efforts more complex. While police and intelligence agencies are actively working to dismantle trafficking networks, he stressed that community participation remains crucial.
Minister Tinku Roy, who also holds the Social Welfare and Social Education portfolio, echoed the concern and said awareness campaigns against drug abuse have been significantly intensified under the present government.
He emphasized that rallies, campaigns and official programmes alone would not be sufficient unless individuals themselves resolve to stay away from narcotics.
“A drug-free society cannot be built through slogans alone. Every citizen, every family and every guardian must take responsibility. Unless individuals decide not to consume drugs, the objective of a drug-free society cannot be achieved,” Roy said.
The Minister revealed that the state government is strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure to address addiction. A nearly 100-bed de-addiction hospital is being established at Bishramganj, while smaller de-addiction facilities are being developed in all districts.
Roy identified students and unemployed youth as among the most vulnerable groups. He said the government is linking de-addiction efforts with skill development and rehabilitation programmes to help recovering addicts reintegrate into society.
Hundreds of students, government officials and members of civil society participated in the awareness rally held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan and took a pledge to remain free from drugs and contribute towards building a healthier society.
Both underscored that education, awareness, rehabilitation and strict law enforcement must work together if Tripura and the wider region are to effectively confront the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking and substance abuse.
