Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that it has become evident through a series of meetings that there is a pressing need to revisit and reorganise the Village Defence Parties (VDPs) in the State to combat against the drug menace.
Lyngdoh said this at a consultative meeting held at the State Convention Centre here today to discuss the drug menace. The meeting was attended by 76 headmen from various parts of Shillong and its outskirts.
During the meeting, it was also highlighted that communities will take the initiative to set up VDPs in their respective localities, with guidance and training provided by the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM). There was a strong request for additional rehabilitation centres in communities, similar to the initiative undertaken by the Mawlai Town Dorbar that will be supported by the DREAM.
According to Lyngdoh, the State government will introduce revised VDP rules to ensure more ownership and responsibility within the community aimed at facilitating greater community involvement and empowerment.
The minister announced that within the next two weeks, further meetings will be held with various other stakeholders, including faith institutions and schools focusing on providing sensitive support provisions.
Special Superintendent of Police (CID) Vivek Syiem delivered insightful perspectives on the role of VDPs in combating drug-related issues. He emphasised the collaborative efforts between VDPs and law enforcement agencies, shedding light on the region’s drug-related challenges.
His presentation delved into the surge in drug cases since 2018, with a focus on increased seizures and the hurdles posed by new psychoactive substances. Furthermore, it underscored VDPs’ role as frontline responders in emergencies, stressing their significance in crime prevention and public safety.
A notable recommendation came from Riatsamthiah headman Mariahom Kharkrang regarding the need for stricter enforcement measures as he draws from previous experiences in combating illicit liquor smuggling, emphasising the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.
Another suggestion involved improving witness cooperation by fostering closer collaboration between the Police Department and local communities which is critical to achieve successful prosecution.
Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Department Sampath Kumar emphasised the importance of an empathetic and sensitive approach to help individuals reintegrate back into society.
He highlighted that many individuals struggling with substance abuse can recover with the right support and that it is crucial not to stigmatize them but to provide the necessary assistance for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
As part of the lifecycle approach, he stressed that early childhood, particularly from zero to eight years, is a critical stage where investing time and guidance ensures that children do well later in life whereas, during adolescence, substantial support is required and focusing on youth and adulthood is as essential to tackling the root of substance abuse issues in the State.
Dr. Bethabara Decruse, Project Director of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, presented data indicating that the HIV prevalence in Meghalaya is 0.39 per cent, surpassing the national average of 0.2 per cent.
The meeting was also attended by Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai and three MDCs – Latiplang Kharkongor, Pynshngainlang Syiem and Teiborlang Pathaw.
