East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo has urged citizens to be compassionate toward persons who have fallen prey to substance abuse and to support them to overcome so that they will not feel that they have been stigmatised.
Laloo was speaking at the closing programme on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan held at KJP Assembly Conference here yesterday and cautioned youth not to fall prey to smoking, drinking and substance abuse as these habits can affect them physically, mentally and emotionally.
She also reminded that families balance, peer groups, churches, communities, NGOs and civil society organizations have a very important role to play in spreading awareness on the evil of substance abuse and to help teenagers to take up sports, painting, cooking and gardening.
The Deputy Commissioner also lauded the District Social Welfare Department and partners NGOs for their efforts during the last five months to reach out to various sections of society by conducting awareness events, campaigns, road shows, trainings for volunteers, door to door visits and several other interventions which are all aimed towards eradicating drugs and substance abuse in the state and the country.
Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer and Member Secretary, District Level Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign Committee, M. Kharkongor presented a brief report on the activities organised by the committee during the last five months.
