The government has decided to revamp and reorganise the presence of Village Defence Party (VDP) across the State in its fight against the menace of drugs.
The decision was arrived at during a review meeting of DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission) project chaired by Social Welfare Minister, Paul Lyngdoh today to plug the gaps in tackling the menace of drugs.
One major area of concern for the government is the need to make the program more community oriented. “We would not like to see DREAM as just a government initiative but to broaden the involvement of civil society. Therefore we discussed on the need to revamp and reorganise the Village Defence Parties especially in the identified hotspots including the city of Shillong,” Lyngdoh said.
The dorbar shnongs which are currently on the loop to chart a way forward has identified gaps to deal with the menace. Lyngdoh said various shnongs felt that they are not adequately empowered. “For some of them to even identify and be involved in taking an accused and register cases at the police station becomes a cumbersome task,” he added.
Therefore, he said better policing would happen with the involvement of VDPs.
According to Meghalaya Village Defence Organisation Rules 2008, the VDP will be to assist the police in the maintenance of law and order, peace and tranquility when needed. To carry out patrolling and watch in the area allotted for the party to prevent theft, burglary, dacoity and other unlawful activities for protection of public lives and properties as well as to prevent commission of crime.
“Drugs certainly come under the ambit of the duties and functions of these VDPs and they will be adequately trained. There are various sections that deal with this particular aspect. We will call a general meeting involving the various dorbar shnongs beginning with Greater Shillong city,” Lyngdoh said.
Concerning the legal aspects, Secretary of Law & Parliamentary Affairs Department, Cyril V Diengdoh said VDPs have an important role because they assist the police in terms of seizure of drugs and are independent witnesses. “Strengthening the VDP would help in building a better case lead to conviction in the court of law,” he added.
Meanwhile, the minister informed that the government is supporting as many as nine de-addiction centres and made constant appeals for the community to come forward to set up centres and professionals for counselling.
