PASIGHAT, Dec 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today announced that budgetary support will be accorded to promote and conduct games and sports events as he believes it shapes the character of the youths besides keeping them away from vices like drug abuse.
Attending the closing ceremony of the ‘Adi Sports Fest-2021’ at Pasighat today, Khandu appreciated the Youth Wing of the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) for the ‘unique’ initiative.
Terming games and sports as integral part of life, Khandu said all community based organizations especially the youth wings, should follow what ABK has started in their own ways.
He said the state government from its next budget will keep sufficient funds for conduct of such events across the state.
“We have immensely talented youths. We are committed to produce sportspersons who can compete at the top level and the sports department has been tasked to chalk out a roadmap,” he informed.
Khandu also lauded the theme for the sports festival – Say No To Drugs – and said sports has the potential to keep youths away from drugs.
Asserting that the state government is committed in its fight against drug abuse, Khandu, however, said that government alone cannot fight against the vice and win it.
“Without active support and cooperation from all sections of society, government alone cannot win this war against drug abuse,” he observed and welcomed the ABK Youth Wing’s small but strong message against drug abuse through the theme of the festival.   Khandu also appreciated the Women’s Wing of ABK, which has been at the forefront of the war against drug abuse in Adi-inhabited areas.
“Today’s youths are tomorrow’s leaders who will run the state. We have to nurture them with care and show them a proper path away from vices like drug abuse,” he said.
Referring to deaddiction centers including the one at Pasighat, Khandu admitted the need to overhaul their infrastructure with proper facilities for inmates. He assured that infrastructure of these deaddiction centers will be improved at the earliest. About 600 participants from across the Adi belt are participating in the 1st ever Adi Sports Fest 2021’. The closing day witnessed the final of the football match between Shi-Yomi and East Siang and Tug-of-War final between Mebo and Dambuk.

Meanwhile, Khandu informed that as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Siang River Festival will be organized at Pasighat on 19 December in a grand manner. He said the monthly review meeting with all Deputy Commissioners will also be held at Pasighat and invitations have already been sent to them to attend the same. 
Meanwhile Lok Sabha MP , Tapir Gao,  also calling for multi-pronged efforts  to curb the menace, said that drug abuse can destroy an entire generation. At the grassroot level, Gao  urged  PRIs, GBs & members of Village Committee to play a proactive role in curbing the drug menace. He also lauded the tireless contribution made by the ABK Women Wing in curbing the drug menace .  The MP called upon the ABK & ABKYW to carry forward their responsibilities through various initiatives for youth development.
The closing ceremony was also attended by MP Tapir Gao, Minister Alo Libang, legislators Zignu Namchoom, Kaling Moyong, Gum Tayeng, Lombo Tayeng, Ojing Tasing, Talem Taboh and Kanggong Taku along with leaders of ABK and others.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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