DUA Delegation Meets CM Pema Khandu, Seeks Statewide Ban on Tobacco, Gutka and Pan Masala in Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar: A delegation from Dream for United Arunachal (DUA), led by its Chairman Dr. Gumjum Haider, called on Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the Chief Minister’s office in the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Sunday. During the meeting, the delegation submitted a formal petition urging the state government to impose a comprehensive ban on tobacco, gutka and pan masala products across the state.
Dr. Haider, a former State Information Commissioner, said the appeal was driven by growing concerns over what he described as an escalating public health crisis that could significantly affect the youth and future of Arunachal Pradesh. The organization, which works on a “Pan Arunachal” framework to promote tribal integration and unity, emphasized that safeguarding public health and dignity should remain a top priority for the government.
Highlighting the impact of widespread availability of such products, Haider stated that the use of tobacco, gutka and pan masala has contributed to serious health conditions, including oral cancer and heart disease. He also pointed out that public spitting and littering associated with these substances have damaged public infrastructure and defaced important places such as hospitals, educational institutions and government offices.
According to the DUA Chairman, such habits are alien to the traditional culture and rich heritage of the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed that these modern addictions undermine the state’s traditional values of vitality and strength, adding that real progress should be measured by the physical well-being of citizens and the cleanliness of the environment.
Members of Dreams for United Arunachal called on me and had a meaningful interaction on their vision and aspirations for a stronger and more united Arunachal. pic.twitter.com/SOSXxZhklR
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) March 9, 2026
After meeting the Chief Minister, the DUA delegation also met Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein at the Legislative Assembly office to apprise him of the petition and discuss the need for a coordinated administrative response to the issue.
The organization urged the state government to launch large-scale awareness and sensitization campaigns against the use of tobacco and related products. It also recommended empowering local leaders, including corporators and panchayat representatives, to take the movement to the grassroots level and reach even the most remote villages.
DUA expressed its willingness to work closely with the government and local administration in implementing these initiatives. Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the interaction as “meaningful” and appreciated the organization’s vision and commitment toward building a stronger, more united and disciplined Arunachal Pradesh.
