Assam Villagers Launch Anti-Drug Protest in Cachar

Guwahati: Residents of South Saidpur in Assam’s Cachar district have declared war on the local drug trade. More than 100 people rallied in the Katagastala area of the South Saidpur Gaon Panchayat in Sonai. They want a drug-free community and demand the district administration stop dragging its feet. Locals say 41 families currently run the trafficking network.

The situation remains grim despite repeated police raids and arrests. Residents claim drug abuse fuels a spike in local thefts and anti-social behavior. They have already detained over 100 suspected users, handing them over to police or shipping them off to rehab. Following Juma prayers on Friday, the crowd marched on the homes of known dealers. They issued a stern ultimatum. Protesters stated: "The protesters threatened to launch a larger agitation if the activities continued."

The community also points to the unfinished Anganwadi Centre No. 164 as a major problem. It has become a den for drug users. Residents are demanding to know why a state facility turned into a crime scene. They now look to the police to clean up the streets and restore order to their neighborhood.