The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today at Jaiñtia Eastern College.
The programme was organized by the District Legal Services Authority, Khliehriat under the theme “Share facts on drugs, save lives”.
Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, D.S. Marbaniang briefed on the importance of observing the day and said the problem of drug abuse does is not only prevalent in the urban areas but also in remote areas of the State.
Marbaniang encouraged the exchange of facts related to drugs in order to save lives and urged the gathering to create awareness about the ill effects that drug abuse has on individuals and families.
The Secretary of District Legal Services Authority also expressed his concern on the alarming rise in the number of school students who are drug addicts in the state and he calls for a joint effort to solve this problem. He further stressed the importance of setting up a rehabilitation centre run by the government or NGOs in the district for addressing drug abuse and to help the drug users in their combat against drug addiction especially those from economically backward families.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime), P. Suchiang gave a brief presentation on the present scenario of alcoholism and substance abuse in the state. He informed the gathering that there are many cases registered every year and the number keeps on increasing even in Jaiñtia Hills District. He further said that the registered cases speak volumes of how much the penetration level that drugs and alcoholism have affected society.
The resource persons of the programme were S. Pdang, Legal Officer, East Jaintia Hills District who spoke about the NDPS Act 1985, Dr. P. Nongtdu, Principal, Jaiñtia Eastern College and Dr. J. Nongtdu, I/C OST Khliehriat spoke on matters relating to drugs abuse.
