Dozens of youths took a pledge not to drink alcohol in a meeting held at Chamba’s village Sabli and concern was expressed on the ill-effects of rising alcoholism. A decision was also taken to strengthen the movement by involving the elderly and the women and spread the reach of the movement in other villages. The speakers said that it is a warning bell for the women and the youth in the area. Unless they decide to fight the menace tooth and nail, it would eat its way deep enough and would destroy the fabric of the society in
the long run.
Social activist Trilok Singh said that the rising incidents of quarrels in the hills had their roots in the rising consumption of alcohol. He said drug addiction is becoming an anathema for the youth. It is scuppering progress, forcing them to wallow in the bogs of vegetation.
Urging the women to get united and to take up arms against the menace, he said they have a paramount role in removing it, branch and root. Region’s Panchayat member Anant Narayan Bahuguna said that intoxicants were proving impediments to the education of the children. He also exhorted the people to desist from heinous crimes like female foeticide. He also said that trees and plants should be tended like children. They have life and if we give them our love they would return it manifold, he added. On the occasion, dozens of youths pledged to stay away from liquor, gutkha and other
such products.
It was decided that the movement would be further intensified in the coming days by involving both the elderly and the women in larger
numbers.