Khliehriat, Oct 24: The East Jaintia Hills district will soon have a de-addiction centre in Diengchynrum village to provide comprehensive rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration support services to drug addicts.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today between the district administration and the w Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA) in the presence of Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, waheh shnongs, women and youth organisations and members of the village defence party of the district.
The 15-bedded de-addiction centre will be set up at a non-functional tourist lodge in Diengchynrum village, which was approved by the Tourism Department. The District Mineral Fund (DMF) Trust is currently working on transforming the lodge into a functional facility through structural and infrastructural upgrades.
Under the agreement, the building has been allocated to MCSWA rent-free, with all renovation works supervised by the DMF to ensure the facility meets the Minimum National Quality Standards for Rehabilitation Centres before the formal handover.
The centre will initially cater exclusively to male beneficiaries, providing clinical detox support with medical oversight, therapeutic and psychiatric counselling, social reintegration and family counselling, relapse prevention and community-based follow-up.
Shylla lauded the initiative of the district administration and the MCSWA for their continued efforts to combat substance abuse in the district. She commended the dedication of the Village Defence Parties (VDPs), village headmen and community leaders for their cooperation in maintaining peace and promoting health awareness.
She also thanked the association for taking the responsibility to set up the de-addiction centre which will provide much-needed services to those struggling with addiction.
The MLA stressed that only through collective understanding and collaboration can the district move forward towards a healthier and drug-free future.
Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi in his speech emphasised the importance of addressing substance abuse and HIV-related issues through community participation and coordinated intervention. He said that the de-addiction centre will bridge the existing gap in rehabilitation services in the district, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside.
He also urged law enforcement personnel and VDP members to carry out their duties with sensitivity and understanding, noting that compassion and awareness are key to effective rehabilitation.
Dr Shullai appreciated the VDPs in East Jaintia Hills for being responsive and urged everyone not to discriminate against drug users or resort to stigmatization of sex workers. She informed that 2,374 people in East Jaintia Hills have registered for treatment in ART Centres while in West Jaintia Hills those registered in ART Centres for medication are 3,189.
Additional Superintendent of Police S. Paslein stressed that the fight against drugs must be collective, as the district’s proximity to the Myanmar border poses unique challenges in curbing trafficking. He further urged the gathering to support law enforcement even as he expressed appreciation for the village headmen and VDP members for their continued cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
This event marks a significant milestone in the district’s effort to combat substance abuse through strong administrative support, civil society partnership, and a shared vision of a healthier, drug-free East Jaintia Hills.
