A one-day awareness programme on the ill-effects of drugs and other substances was organised by the District Social Welfare Officer of East Khasi Hills in collaboration with the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) of Sohra Civil Sub-Division and Red Ribbon Club of Sohra Government College.
Held under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Eradicate Addiction Mission), the awareness programme was participated by several people including youth who were also sensitised on the ill effect of alcohol and drugs.
District Social Welfare Officer Emidaki Kharchandy in her introductory speech emphasised the significance of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in combating substance abuse and addiction through the active participation of youth, students, educational institutions and the community at large.
Other speakers included Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pynhunlang Manik Syiem and Anthony Khongsit, Officer in Charge of Sohra Police Station who explained on the detrimental effects of drugs and substance abuse on the individual, family and the society as well as the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Truman Basaiawmoit, Psychologist of MIMHANS, enlightened the gathering on the mental health issues related to substance abuse.
The peer educator of New Hope Deaddiction Centre, N Marbaniang also spoke on the occasion followed by a testimony from one of the recovered addicts from Manbha Foundation.
The programme concluded with the participants taking a pledge to create a drug-free East Khasi Hills District.
