As part of a sustained campaign against the growing menace of drug abuse in Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states, a series of colourful awareness programmes are often being held across the border state, which shares a 520-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar.

A Lok Bhavan official said on Tuesday that as part of his sustained campaign against the growing menace of substance abuse in Arunachal Pradesh, state Governor Lieutenmant General K.T. Parnaik (Retired) initiated declamation and painting competitions under the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'.

The declamation and painting competitions were held at the Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on Tuesday.

The initiative sought to engage young minds in raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and inspire them to become active partners in building a drug-free society, the official said.

According to the official, through creative expression and informed dialogue, the programme reinforced the message that the fight against drugs requires collective commitment and youth-led action.

The Governor interacted with the participants and commended them for their confidence, clarity of thought and commitment to a cause that is of critical importance to society.

He expressed his appreciation for the high standard of the declamation competition, noting that the participants articulated their views with conviction, maturity and a deep sense of social responsibility.

The Governor said that such platforms not only nurture public speaking skills but also encourage young minds to think critically about issues affecting their communities.

In all, 31 participants from higher educational institutions across the state, including Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat; Dera Natung College, Itanagar; Binni Yanga Government Women's College, Jote; Jarbom Gamlin Law College, Jote; Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang; NERIST, Nirjuli; Arunadaya University, Itanagar; Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai; Apex Professional University, Pasighat; IGTAMSU, Ziro; and Don Bosco College, Itanagar, participated in the declamation competition.

In addition, 35 students from various schools in the state capital Itanagar participated in the painting competition.

The competitions provided the participants with a platform to express their views and creativity on the dangers of drug abuse and the need for greater awareness among young people.

Mizoram and Manipur have emerged as major drug-trafficking corridors in the Northeast due to their long and porous international borders with Myanmar and proximity to the Golden Triangle, one of the world's major illicit narcotics-producing regions.