PIB’s ‘Varta’ in Silchar

way2barak, June 26::- —“Drug addiction is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal epidemic that demands immediate, united, and uncompromising action,” asserted Rajat Kumar Pal, IPS, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Cachar, as he addressed at the ‘Varta’ programme organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Assam at Silchar Press Club on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here on thursday.

Delivering a compelling keynote address, Additional Superintendent of Police, Rajat Kumar Pal underscored the alarming rise of drug abuse among the youth, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 30, who often fall prey to addiction due to stress, anxiety and peer pressure. He highlighted how the lure of artificial relief leads many young individuals down a dark and destructive path, ultimately dismantling families and derailing futures. “Every tablet seized, every operation conducted is not just a law enforcement milestone ,it is a life potentially saved,” he stated firmly.

The senior police official elaborated on the Cachar Police’s unwavering stance against narcotics, detailing a series of successful crackdowns on the illicit drug trade across the district. Among the major seizures, he mentioned the confiscation of Yaba tablets, brown sugar, and large quantities of cough syrup from notorious trafficking hotspots.

Additional Superintendent of Police ,Rajat Kumar Pal credited these achievements to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement teams, intelligence networks, and vigilant community reporting. He reiterated that police action, while critical, must be complemented by widespread community awareness and early-stage intervention to dismantle the roots of this growing social crisis.

Stressing the need for sustained dialogue and education, Shri Pal lauded the PIB’s initiative in bringing media and stakeholders together on a common platform to spread awareness and foster a culture of collective responsibility. He urged media personnel to continue playing a proactive role in disseminating factual, timely, and constructive information on the dangers of substance abuse.

The event also shed light on another pressing health concern, ocular trauma. In his address, Dr Shibananda Roy, Joint Director of Health Services, Cachar, discussed the causes, risks and preventive strategies associated with eye injuries. He emphasized the vulnerability of workers exposed to extreme heat, radiation and chemicals, calling on them to adopt protective measures such as UV-filtering eyewear, masks and face shields. Dr Roy advocated for stronger rehabilitation policies for ocular trauma victims and stressed the importance of regular awareness campaigns for both urban and rural populations.

Earlier, in her welcome address,Field Publicity Officer ,Smt Panthoibi Singha said “Varta” is a commendable initiative launched by the Press Information Bureau under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to foster meaningful dialogue with media professionals on pressing issues of public interest. This platform not only amplifies vital messages but also builds awareness on critical concerns such as ocular trauma, an emerging cause of disability in India that demands urgent attention and preventive action. In tandem, the observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as a crucial reminder to society about the devastating impact of drug misuse, urging collective responsibility to build a healthier and more informed nation.

The event concluded with an engaging interactive session, where members of the press posed questions and shared insights, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas between the speakers and the media fraternity.

Organized under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the ‘Varta’ programme stood out as a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the message that a drug-free and trauma-aware society can only be achieved through persistent community engagement, robust enforcement, and informed public discourse.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.