Siliguri, 10th July: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised an anti-drug awareness rally in Siliguri on Friday, calling for a curb on the sale of tobacco products near schools and colleges.
The rally passed through several important roads in the city, spreading awareness against drugs, tobacco products and other addictive substances while promoting the message of a drug-free society. During the programme, the organisation also urged shopkeepers to refrain from selling cigarettes, gutkha and other addictive substances to minors.
ABVP Siliguri organisational district secretary Saugata Das said the growing trend of substance abuse among students has become a matter of serious concern. Referring to a recent incident in which a student of a government school in Siliguri was allegedly seen smoking while wearing her school uniform, he said such incidents are unacceptable and should not be ignored.
Das further stated that ABVP would continue its campaign against substance abuse among students and demanded strict action against those allegedly selling addictive substances to minors or near educational institutions.
ABVP state joint secretary Aniket Dey Sarkar said the objective of the rally was to create awareness among students and caution shopkeepers against selling tobacco and other addictive substances near schools and colleges. He urged traders to act responsibly and refrain from selling such products to minors.