The town of Ledo in Assam's Tinsukia district witnessed a powerful demonstration on Wednesday as local residents, student groups, and women's organizations united to protest against the growing drug menace in the area. The protestors demanded immediate and stringent action from law enforcement against drug traffickers and peddlers who they claim are operating with impunity.
Community Outrage Over Police Inaction
The protest was organized by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) in collaboration with the Ledo Nari Samaj and local students. Demonstrators expressed deep frustration over what they described as a clear failure by the police under the Margherita police station and Ledo police outpost to curb drug activities. The procession, led by AJYCP Tinsukia district vice-president Kanchan Bora, began at Ledo Tiniali and marched through the main streets of the town.
Participants carried placards and banners, vocally criticizing the perceived inaction. Kanchan Bora highlighted a critical failure in the system, stating that previously arrested drug dealers are openly resuming their illegal business after being released on bail. "The availability of drugs is destroying the future of our young generation," Bora asserted during the demonstration, placing the blame squarely on the police's inability to stop the cycle.
Women's Group Sounds Alarm on Youth Vulnerability
The Ledo Nari Samaj brought a poignant perspective to the protest, expressing grave concern over the increasing number of students falling victim to addiction. Smritilekha Baruah, a representative of the women's group, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She pointed out that children as young as teenagers are getting trapped, with parents feeling helpless as traffickers operate freely in their communities.
"Our students and youngsters are falling prey to drugs because they are easily available in our areas. This is destroying the future of our community," Baruah stated. Her comments underscored the social devastation caused by the drug trade, extending beyond crime into the heart of families and the future workforce of the region.
Demands for Sustained Action and Accountability
The protestors laid out a clear set of demands for the authorities to tackle the crisis effectively. They called for:
- Regular crackdowns on drug networks.
- Strict monitoring of locations suspected of being drug hubs.
- Expedited trials for those arrested in drug trade cases to ensure swift justice.
To formalize their demands, the group submitted a memorandum to Margherita Co-District Commissioner Rahul Doley. The memorandum urges immediate intervention and demands increased accountability from law enforcement authorities. The protest serves as a stark reminder that community patience has worn thin, and they now expect concrete, visible results in the war against drugs threatening their town's social fabric.
