Arunachal: Women’s organisation pitches for alcohol-free election

The Women Against Social Evils (WASE), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that fights for the protection and security of children and youths, as well as the growing drug menace in Arunachal Pradesh, has urged everyone to ensure an alcohol-free election in the state.

It has urged the local administration, CBOs and all political parties and leaders to stop the free distribution of alcohol (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) during the assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

In a statement, WASE stated that the free distribution of alcohol, particularly IMFL, during the election damages the lives of many youths, who become addicted to alcohol after drinking alcohol regularly throughout the election campaign.

Yamik Dulom Darang, President, WASE stated that the organization began its awareness campaign in 2011 and has been urging concerned authorities, political parties, and leaders to avoid free alcohol distribution during elections.

“During elections, there is a trend of making alcohol readily available at candidates’ homes and campaign camps. Taking advantage of the free availability of alcohol, many teenagers develop addictions that eventually ruin their lives. To prevent this, the involved candidates and their respective political parties must ensure that the election is alcohol-free”, said Darang.

Meanwhile, Joya Tasung Moyong, General Secretary of WASE, said that the Bogong Banggo Anti-Drugs team from the Bogong Banggo districts, which includes Pasighat town/smart city, has also given their support to the WASE team in the fight against the alcohol menace during the election.

“We believe that the concerned political leaders and parties in Arunachal Pradesh would stop using and appealing voters, particularly youths, by offering free alcohol,” said Moyong.

Polling for the 60 assembly seats and 2 Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh will be held on April 19 and results will for the Assembly polls will be declared on June 2 and for the LS polls on June 4.

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