Itanagar Marathon Draws 600 to Fight Drug Abuse

Itanagar: More than 600 people sprinted through Itanagar on June 26. The 5 km run kicked off at IG Park to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Capital Police organized the race to push for healthy habits and alert the public to the dangers of addiction.

Students, athletes, and local residents filled the streets. Guest of honour and bodybuilder Hillang Yajik told the crowd that discipline and hard work keep people on the right path. She noted that anyone can succeed in sports with enough drive.

Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar hit hard on the reality of the crisis. He called the issue a "silent terrorist" that rips families and communities apart. Basar warned that the drug trade ruins lives from the inside out and demanded that citizens stay vigilant.

The Capital Police pledged to keep hunting down drug traffickers. Local running group PACE TRIBE helped organize the event, drawing cheers from the finish line. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Saban Chera closed the event with a blunt warning about how quickly addiction takes hold. The runners left with a pledge to keep their state clean and drug-free.