POINGUINNIM: An awareness programme highlighting ills associated with drug-abuse was conducted in Canacona on Saturday, under the aegis of Canacona mamlatdar’s office.

Students from three high schools and a higher secondary school from the taluka participated in the rally which was held from Mamlatdar’s office to the KTC bus stand. About 160 students from the four institutions took part in the rally wending its way from the Mamlatdar’s office via the NH17 to Chauri and KTC bus stand, shouting slogans against drug abuse.

After the rally, in a small function held at the Mamlatdar’s office, Canacona MLA Mr Vijay Pai Khot, who was part of the programme, stated that presently the Canacona taluka has about 300 HIV cases and all of these have been caused only because of drug abuse. He urged students to avoid all drugs to safeguard themselves and their future. CMC chairperson, Mr Shamsunder Desai who too was present observed that even though Canacona seems to be backward on certain fronts, it is much advanced in drive against drugs.  Hence he advised the young boys and girls to concentrate on studies so that they do not have time to indulge in wrong activities.

The Canacona police manned by PI, Mr Raju Raut Desai controlled the traffic systematically while the rally was on. At Margao, police department had organised a procession on anti-drugs in which students carried placards highlighting need to abstain from any drugs. Some
citizens also participated.