Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday issued a strong warning against those involved in the illegal drug trade, including respectable individuals in society.
Speaking at a public awareness programme at Bamutia, he declared that no one—regardless of social status—will be spared if found guilty of drug-related activities.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a campaign on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and child marriage prevention at Gandhigram Higher Secondary School ground in Bamuthia block.
"Many influential and seemingly respectable people are also involved in the drug business for money. But once caught in the net of law, no one will be able to save them. The government will show no compromise to anyone associated with drugs," he said in a clear and loud message.
Dr. Saha stressed that raising awareness about drug abuse and child marriage is a top priority of the state. He said that Tripura had not always faced such a drug problem, but over the past four decades, the state had seen the spread of narcotic influence, which has now become a major challenge.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is personally monitoring the progress. The Tripura government is also working in sync with this approach,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the state police and various agencies are intensifying anti-drug operations. The amount of contraband seized in recent times has increased manifold, and many arrests have been made under the NDPS Act, leading to convictions.
Addressing the students and teachers present, Dr. Saha emphasized the need for open discussions in classrooms about the dangers of drug use.
“Teachers should speak for at least 10 minutes in class about the consequences of drugs. Parents must also monitor their children's behaviour closely,” he advised.
He lamented the loss of human resources due to drug abuse, stating, “This crisis is destroying the future of generations. It is harming our human resources. Therefore, we must strengthen awareness efforts everywhere.”
The Chief Minister also urged public awareness on other critical health issues like thalassemia, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Saha also raised concern over the issue of child marriage in the state, calling it a serious social challenge. He praised a girl from the minority community who was recently awarded by the President of India for actively protesting against child marriage in her community.
He further announced that the state government is considering mandatory registration of marriages before any social ceremony takes place. “This would ensure that girls must be at least 18 years old and boys 21 at the time of marriage. Birth certificates will be made compulsory for this purpose,” he added.
The programme was attended by West Tripura Zilla Sabhadhipati in-charge Bishwajit Shil, Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Chairperson of Tripura Women’s Commission Jharna Debbarma, Chairperson of Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights Jayanti Debbarma, Bamuthia Panchayat Samiti Chairman Deepak Kumar Singh, former MLA Krishnadhan Das, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Superintendent of Police Dr. Kiran Kumar K, and other senior officials.