To address the growing issue of drug abuse in the state a meeting was today convened by the DREAM Mission with rangbah shnongs of all localities within the city.
Mission Director Francis Kharshiing said the goal is to guide village leaders on how they can actively contribute to combating drug abuse and work together for the well-being of their communities.
Kharshiing highlighted the pivotal role that village authorities play in fostering positive change. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to inspire villages to focus on preventing drug abuse among children, improving counselling initiatives, and promoting sports activities as healthy alternatives to help children stay away from drugs.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem also emphasised the importance of villages to monitor children, especially those who have dropped out of school.
He urged communities to guide these children towards making better choices and to strengthen their Village Defense Parties (VDPs) for additional support.
Some of the rangbah shnongs who attended the meeting expressed optimism that villages could play a significant role in combating the escalating drug issue. Several leaders underscored the critical involvement of village elders in this mission.
Rangbah Shnong of Laitumkhrah Shemborlang Nongkynrih stressed the importance of village leaders acting swiftly when they become aware of children using drugs, taking appropriate measures, and involving the police if necessary.
