DGP Kezo (2nd from right) and others during the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking at PHQ Junction Kohima on June 26. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland state drug & substance abuse prevention policy finalized
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 26
Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” under the theme “Make health your ‘new high’ in life; not drugs.”
In a state level programme held here at the Kohima Local Ground, parliamentary secretary for labour & employment law & justice and land revenue Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire graced the occasion as the chief guest and challenged the Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) to reach out to the students and propagate the message on the harmful effects of drug abuse so that they don’t fall into this habit.
He also told the gathering that the Nagaland State Drug & Substance Abuse Prevention Policy has been finalized today.
This Policy was officially launched today under the chairmanship of social welfare director Khevito Shohe and convenor of the working committee Menukhol John, commissioner & secretary land resources development.
N-NagaDao secretary Bazo Kire while briefing that significance of the day said that drug abuse destroys families, communities and lives and make people turn to crime, adding that drug trafficking once viewed largely as a social and criminal problems, has transformed in recent years into a major threat to the health and security of the people and regions.
According to Task Force on Prevention of Drug Abuse and AIDS (TAFOPDA) Nagaland in 1996-97, it was estimated that there about 30,000- 40,000 drug users in the state out of which more than 80% have experimented injecting drugs. There are about 27,000 Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Nagaland, excluding oral drug users, as per a survey conducted by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
She said that the government has a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse.
She said Nagaland has only five rehabilitation centres located in Kohima and Dimapur.
Law enforcing agencies like the Narcotic and excise departments is reportedly don’t have enough man-power and equipments to fight the drug syndicates, she said.
She also stressed on the need to create opportunities to engage the youth productively and at same time to involved key stakeholders in the fight against drug trafficking and drug abuse “so that it can be inclusive and comprehensive.”
Stating that without political will and support from civil society, fighting drug trafficking and drug abuse will be another pipe dream,” she said “Let us not forget drug abuse introduced us to HIV and have claimed many precious lives, it has broken many homes and still going strong.”
She also stressed on the need to address the drug abuse through a collective effort and take responsibility to make the society drug free and healthy. The programme was held under the aegis of Nagaland Users’ Network with N-NagaDao, Kohima Users’ Network and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
Welcome address was delivered by Neiba Zumvii, president Nagaland Users’ Network while Emma S. Yepthomi compered the function.
The function was followed by football exhibition between Kohima Komets and Nagaland Users’ Network.
