Tripura: Anti-drug awareness rally held in Agartala to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Agartala, June 24
A rally was organised in Agartala on Wednesday morning to mark the observance of the 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2026', with participants reiterating the need for collective action against substance abuse and illegal drug trade.
The programme commenced at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, where Tripura Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy attended as the Chief Guest. The event witnessed the participation of senior government officials, students, social organisations, and members of the public.
Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasised the importance of creating awareness among the younger generation about the harmful effects of drug abuse and underscored the government's commitment to building a drug-free society through coordinated efforts involving families, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community organisations.
West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Vishal Kumar and Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder also took part in the rally, which passed through key areas of the city carrying messages against drug addiction and illicit trafficking.
The rally aimed to raise public awareness about the social, economic, and health consequences of drug abuse while encouraging community participation in prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
June 26, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations International Day. This day aims to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug use and to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade.
This day has been observed since 1989. June 26 was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's (Chinese political philosopher and politician) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good to see ministers and officials taking part, but ground reality is different. In many parts of Tripura, drug peddling is still rampant near schools. We need strict action against suppliers, not just rallies. Still, a step in the right direction 👍
International Day Against Drug Abuse is important, but awareness alone won't solve this crisis. Our society needs to address unemployment and peer pressure that push young people towards addiction. Good to see Minister Tinku Roy taking lead though.
My cousin in Agartala says these rallies are becoming just photo ops. Real change requires rehabilitation centres and proper counselling services. But happy to see the community participating 🙏 Hope bureaucrats like Vishal Kumar follow up on this.
As someone who grew up in the Northeast, I know how devastating drug abuse has been for our communities. Proud of Tripura for taking this seriously. Would love to see more cross-border cooperation to stop trafficking from Myanmar.
Attended a similar rally in Agartala last year. The energy of the students is amazing, but we need to target the root cause - illegal drug networks operating from neighbouring states. Good efforts by DM Vishal Kumar and Mayor Dipak Majumder.
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