On Friday, hundreds of students in Jorhat, Assam, took to the streets in a powerful demonstration, demanding an immediate and comprehensive crackdown on the escalating drug menace gripping the district. The protest rally, spearheaded by the Jorhat district units of the All Assam Student Union (AASU) and Asom Sena, saw enthusiastic participation, with students prominently displaying placards and raising fervent slogans advocating for a "drug-free Jorhat." Their collective voice urged local authorities to initiate swift and decisive action against those perpetuating the narcotics trade.
The student organizations articulated clear demands, calling for the implementation of stringent measures against drug peddlers and suppliers. A primary focus of their protest was the urgent need to identify, expose, and completely dismantle the intricate networks responsible for the supply and sale of illicit narcotics operating both within Jorhat town and its surrounding areas. They stressed that only by targeting the entire chain, from suppliers to sellers, could the problem be effectively addressed.
Speaking to the assembled students and media, Bijoy Shankar Bordoloi, the chief convenor of Asom Sena, expressed profound dismay over the current situation. He highlighted how the district, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, was now facing disrepute due to the actions of drug peddlers and users. "Jorhat, a place we have always been proud of for its cultural legacy, is unfortunately being defamed by drug peddlers and users," Bordoloi remarked, emphasizing the cultural erosion caused by the drug problem. He further alleged that despite numerous instances of drug abuse being brought to the attention of authorities, the issue has regrettably continued to escalate without adequate intervention.
The significant turnout and unified message from the student community underscore the deep-seated concern among the youth regarding the proliferation of drugs. This student-led initiative serves as a poignant reminder to the administration of its responsibility to safeguard the future generations and the cultural integrity of Jorhat, placing renewed pressure on officials to translate promises into tangible results in the fight against drug abuse.