In a powerful show of unity and civic resolve, residents of Chaprakata (Second Part – Bhoshamari), located under Bongaigaon Sadar Police Station, have launched a community-led movement against the rising drug crisis plaguing their area. The villagers’ action reflects growing frustration over the unchecked spread of illegal narcotics that is endangering local youth and threatening social stability.
A Community Pushes Back
Chaprakata’s residents, alarmed by the increasing number of drug-related incidents and arrests in the region, have begun organizing public meetings, awareness drives, and petitions to demand stronger enforcement measures from local authorities.
“We cannot stand by and watch our children fall victim to drugs,” said one community elder. “We have decided to take collective action and demand accountability.”
The villagers have already submitted a memorandum to the Bongaigaon District Administration and local police, urging them to increase patrolling, carry out sustained anti-narcotic operations, and identify the main culprits behind the illegal drug trade.
Targeting the Drug Network
The community alleges that several known drug peddlers continue to operate freely, especially during night hours, despite repeated complaints. The primary concern is the growing involvement of youth in both consumption and small-scale distribution.
“If action is not taken now, we fear we may lose an entire generation,” said a youth leader involved in the campaign.
According to sources within local law enforcement, drugs such as brown sugar, heroin, and prescription narcotics have made inroads into this rural area over the last two years. These substances are often trafficked from neighbouring districts using motorcycles and small passenger vehicles.
Local Leadership Steps In
To strengthen the anti-drug movement, Chaprakata villagers have formed a Village Defence Party (VDP) and coordinated with local panchayat leaders. Public meetings have drawn participation from school teachers, shopkeepers, and religious leaders, all voicing support for a drug-free community.
Gram Panchayat representatives have also called on the Assam government and Bongaigaon police to declare Chaprakata and nearby areas as “Drug-Sensitive Zones” to increase surveillance and prevention efforts.
“It’s no longer about blaming others. It’s about taking charge and protecting our youth,” said a VDP coordinator.
Rising Drug Abuse Across Assam
Chaprakata’s initiative comes amid a statewide rise in drug-related crimes. The Assam Police have seized record quantities of narcotics in recent years, yet rural pockets like Chaprakata remain vulnerable due to poor enforcement and lack of awareness.
As per the Narcotics Control Bureau’s 2024 report, western Assam districts including Bongaigaon and Dhubri are among emerging transit zones for narcotics, often smuggled from international routes via porous borders.
For more on Assam’s anti-drug efforts, see our coverage on Assam’s War on Drugs.
Read how other communities are fighting back: Diphu Youth Launch Awareness Drives Against Drug Menace.
Grassroots Action with Government Backing
The residents of Chaprakata have demanded regular community-police interactions, awareness campaigns in schools, and installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points.
They’ve also called for counselling centres and de-addiction services to be set up in collaboration with the Assam Health Department, under the state’s existing Mission Nasha Mukti initiative.
A Model for Other Villages?
Chaprakata’s movement is beginning to catch attention across Bongaigaon, with nearby villages considering similar grassroots campaigns.
This collective resistance stands as a potential model for rural action across Assam, where many communities face similar threats but lack coordinated efforts to address them.
Support your local community’s fight against drugs. Report illegal activity, engage in awareness efforts, and join hands to create a safe, drug-free Assam.
