In an attempt to bring unity amongst community stakeholders in the fight against the menace of drugs a programme called Bringing Unity in Locale Against Drugs (BUILD) was held at U Soso Tham auditorium here today.
BUILD is under the Drug Rehabilitation, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) programme to fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the State.
Community members including faith based leaders and Rangbah Shnongs, Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei along with Synjuk Ki Dorbar united in a symbolic gesture by signing the community accord.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma who attended the programme said, BUILD is a strong community based system and community leaders play a crucial role in different social aspects. “For social issues like drugs abuse the community is an important stakeholder not only for drug abuse elimination but also for the rehabilitation of abusers and for the success of programs like DREAM,” he said.
He said while different departments like police, health and social welfare departments need to work together, it is also important to work with the community. He also said that it is important to deal with drug abusers with sympathy and empathy and not to stigmatise them.
The chief minister also appreciated the efforts of the community led organisations as well as faith based organisations for actively being part of the state’s vision of making Meghalaya a drug free state.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the signing of the community accord will pull Meghalaya out of the nightmare of drug addiction and a state of slumber.
He also stated that the state poses a challenge of falling under the influence and periphery of the “Golden Triangle”, and sought the collaborative support of all stakeholders to make Meghalaya drug free at the earliest.
During the programme two young individuals currently on the path to recovery, embodying the shared commitment to overcoming challenges posed by drug addiction also took part.
General Secretary of the Meghalaya Users Forum, a resilient individual living with HIV who successfully overcame drug addiction, reflected on the negative portrayal of users in the media. He emphasised the importance of adopting a positive outlook.
Having completed rehabilitation at the Kripa Foundation in 2007, he shed light on the high costs associated with rehabilitation centers. “I want to emphasize the critical role of community involvement in our collective fight against drug addiction. I commend the government for its proactive measures and empowering laws, which have been instrumental in addressing this issue,’’ the general secretary added.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, senior officials from various line departments were present at the programme.
The state government also extended financial support to the Mawlai Dorbar by contributing Rs 6 lakh towards the rehabilitation camp initiated by it, in an attempt to encourage such initiatives from other dorbars and areas across the state.
