The office of the District Social Welfare Officer of South West Khasi Hills today organised an anti-drugs awareness-cum-consultative programme.
YR Mawlong, Additional Deputy Commissioner, attended the programme as chief guest. Also present were the Deputy Superintendent of Police, D Mawlein, and the District Social Welfare Officer, E Tariang.
In her address, Mawlong emphasised the importance of reducing the demand for illegal drugs and other substances as a means to deter drug abuse. She also emphasised the significance of aftercare, treatment and counseling as crucial steps in aiding the recovery of individuals struggling with drug addiction. Further, she highlighted the key principles adopted in the joint action plan of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
She highlighted the serious public health concern associated with the injection of drugs, as it poses a significant risk of spreading infections like HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.
Mawlein, expressed his concern on the increasing number of drug users, which has also led to an increase of other forms of crimes in the district, such as theft/ burglary. He also appealed to parents, village representatives and all sections of society, to prioritise support, education and protection of youth against substance abuse and to work together with the police to collectively combat drug abuse.
Other speakers included a clinical psychologist on signs of drug addiction, representative of Mawlai Town Dorbar on ways and means to combat drugs at the village level, testimony from a the drug users’ network at KRIPA Foundation and a counsellor from KRIPA’s de-addiction centre in Shillong.
