Imphal, June 27: Reinforcing its commitment to combating drug abuse and promoting awareness across the Northeast, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with various civil agencies, organised a series of anti-narcotics awareness programmes, training sessions, marathons, rallies, and educational outreach initiatives across Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The multi-pronged campaign combined capacity building for security personnel with community engagement, reaching thousands of people, particularly students and youth.

A major highlight of the campaign was a specialised training programme conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) at Mantripukhri Garrison in Manipur. Nearly 220 personnel from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles participated in the session, which focused on the identification of narcotic substances, detection techniques, and the legal framework governing narcotics-related offences.
Officials from the NCB provided detailed briefings on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and relevant sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), equipping participants with updated legal knowledge and operational skills to strengthen anti-drug enforcement efforts. The programme also emphasised inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing in tackling narcotics trafficking.
As part of the nationwide campaign against drug abuse, Assam Rifles simultaneously organised extensive community outreach programmes across several states of the Northeast.
In Jiribam district of Manipur, troops participated in a spirited Mini Marathon organised to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug addiction. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from security personnel and local residents, promoting the message of fitness, healthy living, and a drug-free society. Participants carried banners and placards encouraging youth to stay away from narcotics and adopt positive lifestyles.
In Imphal West district, Assam Rifles partnered with the Manipur Police to conduct an awareness programme at Phoubakchao High School. Around 192 students attended the interactive session, where resource persons highlighted the dangers of substance abuse, its impact on health, education, and families, and the importance of making informed life choices. Students were encouraged to act as ambassadors of awareness within their communities.
Another significant programme was organised at Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS), New Keithelmanbi, where nearly 145 students and staff participated in a large anti-drug rally and administered a pledge to remain committed to a drug-free lifestyle. The rally carried the message that awareness, education, and collective responsibility are essential in preventing drug abuse among young people.
In Nagaland's Kiphire district, Assam Rifles organised a large-scale awareness drive at Loyola Higher Secondary School. More than 1,200 students, teachers, and staff attended the programme, making it one of the largest educational outreach initiatives conducted under the campaign. Speakers stressed the long-term social, economic, and health consequences of addiction while encouraging students to focus on education, discipline, and personal development.
To further motivate young participants, academic achievers of the school were felicitated during the programme. The initiative highlighted education as a powerful tool in empowering youth and steering them away from substance abuse and other social challenges.
Meanwhile, in Champhai district of Mizoram, Assam Rifles conducted an interactive awareness session at Holy Cross School, Vengthar. Around 350 students and 15 teachers participated in discussions on the dangers associated with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The programme focused on building awareness about healthy lifestyle choices, peer pressure, mental well-being, and the importance of early intervention in preventing addiction.
Officials encouraged students to seek guidance from parents, teachers, and counsellors whenever faced with situations involving substance abuse and stressed the value of maintaining a physically active and disciplined lifestyle.
The coordinated initiatives across the Northeast reflect Assam Rifles' broader commitment to complementing security operations with social outreach programmes aimed at building resilient communities. Besides safeguarding the nation's borders and conducting counter-insurgency operations, the force continues to engage actively with educational institutions, local administrations, and civil society organisations to address pressing social issues such as drug abuse.
Officials said that empowering youth through awareness, education, and community participation remains one of the most effective strategies in tackling the growing menace of narcotics in the region. Through sustained collaboration with agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, state police, educational institutions, and local communities, Assam Rifles aims to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking while inspiring the younger generation to embrace healthy, responsible, and drug-free lives.