Shillong, Sep 2:Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh today urged more localities to create their own Village Defence Parties (VDPs) but not for individuals to practise vigilantism against drug users.
Amid a surge of viral videos showing drug users being thrashed in Shillong, Lyngdoh cautioned against such actions, saying that they undermine the state’s systematic fight against drug trafficking.
“This kind of activism will not help. It will only defeat the very purpose of our efforts,” Lyngdoh said. He pointed out that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) is now a dedicated police unit led by a Superintendent of Police, equipped with vehicles and trained personnel, and is actively covering key areas such as Iewduh and the Cantonment area.
Lyngdoh warned that physically apprehending suspected peddlers is illegal and exposes individuals to health risks, including contact with contaminated syringes. Instead, he urged citizens to work with law enforcement through legal frameworks such as the VDP scheme.
At a recent meeting with dorbar shnongs, the government appealed for wider adoption of the VDP model, which has been incentivised from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 per month for volunteers. “VDPs don’t need to patrol 24/7 but can play a crucial role in assisting police with information and leads,” he explained.
However, Lyngdoh expressed concern that Shillong, with a population of over 6 lakh, currently has only 11 active VDPs. “We need more information sharing. This is not the government versus the people. This is us working together to tackle the menace of drugs,” he said.
Further cautioning against vigilante actions, Lyngdoh added: “When you seize drugs from someone illegally, they fall under your possession and you too can be accused. The only way forward is through legal, coordinated action with the police.”
