No amount of development activities, investment in tourism, roads, etc will be worth it if the drug problem in Meghalaya is not dealt with, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said today.
Lyngdoh was speaking at a multi-stakeholder symposium in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024 here.
The programme was organised by the Department of Social Welfare under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) in collaboration with the Indian Drug Users’ Forum and Meghalaya Users’ Forum.
“Meghalaya is moving to a realisation that we need to escalate and elevate our engagement on the problem of drug trafficking and drug use. It is a timely reminder that society has a choice of either being a victor or a victim of the circumstances,” Lyngdoh said, adding that playing the blame game should be avoided, though gaps and deficiencies should still be pointed out. “It’s important that each one of us take it as our own battle.”
A cautionary tale is that of Punjab, Lyngdoh added, saying that a state that had so much in terms of potential in its youth, sports arena, defence, etc, was gripped in a crisis caused by drugs.
The minister said that at one point of time Meghalaya was a transit point for drugs and narcotics but at present it has become a heavy user, even in rural areas. He also said that the state government is proactively pursuing the offenders, which is why the rate of recovery and raids have gone up dramatically.
The day was also observed at district headquarters around the state, such as Mawkyrwat, Khliehriat, Jowai and Resubelpara.
Other organisations also held their own programmes to mark the day.
The District Legal Services Authority of West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills held events in Nongstoin and Jowai respectively.
In Shillong, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) embarked on an initiative titled ‘YUVA BHAGIDARI’ in collaboration with St Anthony’s College, Shillong. This initiative is aimed at combating the pervasive issue of drug and substance abuse in society.
Under the auspices of the NCC Directorate North Eastern Region, the NCC Group Shillong has taken the lead to address this pressing social challenge.
The ‘YUVA BHAGIDARI’ (youth participation) initiative distinguishes itself by involving not only NCC cadets but also children from various schools in the community.
The initiative unfolds in three phases – training, campaign and community outreach.
The first will see selected NCC cadets from St Anthony’s undergo a comprehensive training programme to equip them with knowledge and skills necessary to combat drug abuse. Following the training, cadets will spearhead a campaign within their college premises to engage students and faculty in discussions and activities aimed at raising awareness. In the final phase, trained NCC cadets will extend their efforts to selected schools and communities in Shillong.
Also in Shillong, William Carey University’s NSS Cell and Department of Social Work, in collaboration with the state police, organised an awareness programme on the theme ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination and Strengthen Prevention’. Short plays and flash mobs were also held with students at the forefront.
In Tura, the College of Community Science held competitions for college students, speeches by resource persons, etc. There were a total of 120 participants in this programme, including school students from Chunmati Upper Primary School.
The Customs Department also held outreach programmes at KRIPA Foundation De-Addiction Centre for Children, Shillong and New Hope De-addiction cum Counselling Centre, Shillong yesterday and today respectively.
The role and efforts of the Customs Department were highlighted and an interactive session with Dr. Jasmine M. Lyngdoh, Clinical Psychologist and Director, Routes, Shillong was also organised, in which the ill effects of drugs and alcohol consumption were discussed along with a stress on coping mechanisms and on the methods to help with de-addiction.
Indoor and outdoor sports items were also given to the patients to promote their physical well-being.
