Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday defended his government's anti-drug campaign, asserting that tackling the narcotics menace requires tough policing, coordinated action across states, and sustained rehabilitation efforts for people affected by addiction. Addressing the Assam Assembly during a discussion on creating a "drug-free Assam," Sarma said law enforcement agencies must be supported in their efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the state.

Replying to a call attention motion on the issue, the chief minister said criticism of police personnel for taking stringent action against drug traffickers could adversely affect their morale. He maintained that officers resort to force, including opening fire in retaliation, only when they have no other option while carrying out operations against traffickers. "When police are sometimes forced to take strict measures against traffickers, including opening fire in retaliation, some members of the Assembly express reservations," Sarma said, adding that such measures are taken only in exceptional circumstances.

Sarma also rejected suggestions that drug abuse is limited to any particular community, district or region. He said the problem has spread across all sections of society and should not be viewed through the lens of geography or social identity. Stressing the need for a collective approach, he said the fight against narcotics requires not only strong enforcement but also public awareness, community participation and rehabilitation programmes for individuals struggling with addiction.

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Highlighting the cross-border nature of the drug trade, the chief minister said investigations have frequently revealed links between trafficking networks operating in Assam and sources in Myanmar. He noted that narcotics smuggling remains a major challenge for northeastern states because of their proximity to international borders. To address the issue, Assam has been working closely with neighbouring Mizoram and Manipur, both of which share borders with Myanmar, to strengthen intelligence sharing and curb cross-border smuggling activities.

Sarma said coordinated efforts among states and security agencies are essential to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks and prevent narcotics from entering Assam. He reiterated his government's commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach against drug traffickers while ensuring that rehabilitation remains an important pillar of the state's anti-drug strategy. The chief minister said the objective is to protect young people from the growing threat of substance abuse and make Assam a drug-free state through sustained enforcement, inter-state cooperation and public support.

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