A consultative meeting has been scheduled by the government with MLAs, MDCs, and Dorbar Shnongs of Greater Shillong to address drug abuse in the state tomorrow.
The meeting, which will be chaired by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, is part of the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) a targeted mission to build a “Drug Free Meghalaya” that deploy a multifaceted coordinated strategy that leverages the combined efforts of the state and local communities to eliminate the incidence of substance use in the state.
Lyngdoh has appealed to the dorbar shnongs to attend the crucial meeting that will seek to identify gaps in the current system which can be achieved by partnering with communities, such as the Village Defence Party (VDPs).
It may be mentioned that per the Meghalaya Village Defence Organisation Rules 2008, VDPs assist the police in maintaining law and order, conducting patrols, and preventing crimes such as theft and burglary. Drugs also come under the ambit of their duties and functions, and in which they will be adequately trained as part of this mission.
DREAM has identified the need to build a robust and well-trained network of VDPs equipped with necessary resources and tools to combat drug abuse and trafficking. Composed of trusted local volunteers from within the communities, the plan is to revamp and reorganize them across the state, with a particular focus on identified drugs and substance use hotspots, including Shillong.
Empowering VDPs with these capabilities is aimed at creating a vigilant and proactive community defense mechanism that not only maintains law and order but will also actively contribute to a Drug Free Meghalaya. This initiative will involve comprehensive training on drug detection and prevention, ensuring regular coordination with police and existing health service nodal persons, and fostering strong community engagement through social and behavioural change campaigns and awareness programs.
