Tripura’s political atmosphere intensified on Tuesday as the Leader of the Opposition issued strong criticism against the state government, accusing it of neglecting rising drug addiction and criminal activities among the youth. Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, the opposition leader held the ruling party responsible for what he described as a dangerous social trend, arguing that the government has failed to provide constructive opportunities, pushing the younger generation toward substance abuse and lawlessness.
The opposition leader directly accused the administration of paying lip service to the issue while allowing drug rackets to flourish unchecked. He said that the government has not only failed to take meaningful steps to break the supply chain of narcotics but has also neglected rehabilitation and education measures necessary to guide the youth toward a better path. According to him, the existing support systems for youth welfare and community development remain woefully underfunded and underutilized.
He cited several recent incidents in which young individuals had been caught in drug-related cases and petty crimes, suggesting a breakdown of law and order in neighborhoods that once remained peaceful. He argued that instead of curbing these growing threats, the administration continues to issue vague promises without executing robust policies. He also alleged that some local-level leaders were complicit in shielding drug traffickers and smugglers, further weakening the enforcement machinery.
The opposition leader demanded immediate intervention from both the state and central governments. He called for a multi-pronged strategy that would combine strict law enforcement with meaningful education, employment, and mental health support. He said that families in many parts of Tripura live in fear as children fall prey to addiction and become vulnerable to exploitation. According to him, unless the government acts urgently, an entire generation could face irreversible damage.
He also emphasized the role of schools, colleges, and community organizations in reversing this trend. He urged educational institutions to adopt more proactive roles in creating awareness about drug abuse, promoting positive peer influence, and building safe, supportive environments for students. He demanded that the government allocate specific budgets for awareness drives, addiction counseling, and recreational infrastructure to keep the youth engaged in healthy pursuits.
The leader warned that the drug problem in Tripura is no longer a hidden crisis but an open secret that everyone has started talking about. He called on civil society and media to amplify the issue so it remains at the center of public debate. He said silence only enables the perpetrators, and communities must no longer ignore the pain and suffering of young individuals who fall into the grip of addiction.
He also questioned the impact of the government’s flagship skill development and job generation programs. According to him, several such schemes exist only on paper, while ground-level implementation remains inconsistent and ineffective. He challenged the ruling party to publish transparent data on job creation and track the number of youth who have received gainful employment over the past two years.
In response to queries about his party’s role in addressing the crisis, the opposition leader said that they have been organizing awareness drives and forming local action groups to support affected families. He said that opposition leaders have also raised the issue multiple times in the legislative assembly but received only vague assurances from ministers.
The opposition leader also criticized the lack of coordination between different departments tasked with curbing substance abuse. He noted that the Excise, Education, and Home departments continue to operate in silos, leading to delayed responses and ineffective intervention. He stressed the importance of interdepartmental collaboration and said the state needs an empowered nodal agency to streamline efforts against drug trafficking and youth crimes.
He expressed concern over the alleged increase in the availability of synthetic drugs and injectable substances in Tripura. He claimed that urban neighborhoods and even semi-rural pockets are now facing a surge in new types of drugs entering the market. He warned that these drugs are cheaper, more addictive, and harder to detect, posing a much greater threat than conventional narcotics.
The opposition leader also urged the government to establish a network of rehabilitation centers across the state. He said that the few facilities currently operating are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and concentrated in specific urban zones, making access difficult for those in remote areas. He demanded the setting up of district-level rehabilitation units that combine medical treatment with psychological support and vocational training.
He also drew attention to the emotional and financial toll that addiction takes on families. According to him, hundreds of families in Tripura have been torn apart by this crisis, with many parents struggling to get treatment for their children or forced to sell assets to cover legal or medical expenses. He said these stories remain unheard and are often buried under bureaucratic apathy.
He asked the youth to come forward and engage in positive community building. He said, despite the grim situation, hope remains if society acts collectively. He encouraged student unions, youth clubs, and volunteer networks to join forces in identifying at-risk individuals and offering mentorship and peer support.