The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)and the traditional heads of Shillong held a meeting on the drug menace in the city which has affected the society at large.
Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KHADC, Pynshngain N Syiem informed that Nongsohphoh locality has expressed their concern that even though they have somehow managed to stop the selling and buying of drugs within its jurisdiction but in neighbouring Cantonment, which is not within their jurisdiction such illegal activities are going on.
The Dorbar Shnong of Nongsohphoh at the meeting said that the authorities of the Shillong Cantonment Board would not recognise them and therefore the former would not be able to interfere against such illegal activities.
“We discussed how we can minimise, the sale and consumption of drugs in the localities under our jurisdiction,” Syiem told reporters.
The Deputy CEM also informed that the KHADC recently passed the amendment to the Administration of Elaka Act, 1991 and a in the Act, the constitution of a Vigilance Committee has been included and it has been clearly mentioned there that it can work in tandem with law enforcing agencies, be it of the state or district council, with regards to the free movement of drug peddlers and addicts.
Syiem also informed that there are certain clauses for the Seng Samla, wherein they can keep a watch in their respective localities with regards to various illegal activities.
“Through this Act we will form Rules so that we can empower the Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla with regards to restricting illegal activities in the localities,” he added.
He also said that there were discussions on how to prevent the entry of drugs into Meghalaya from the neighbouring states by coordinating between the district council and the localities.
“This we will have to work together with the government authorities,” Syiem added.
