Wokha, October 4 (MExN): An awareness programme on drugs and substance abuse for public and community leaders was held at the Lotha Hoho Conference Hall in Wokha, organized by the Department of Social Welfare and the District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The event brought together Wokha Town Councilors, Colony Council Chairmen, and GBs, aiming to strengthen the role of community leaders in combating the growing drug problem in the district.
In his keynote address, Renbomo Ezung, ADC Wokha, highlighted the severity of drug and substance abuse, emphasizing its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and society. He urged community leaders to take serious steps in spreading awareness and initiating actions to curb the spread of drugs. "This issue is a matter of great concern for all of us," Ezung stated, calling for collective efforts to address the crisis before it escalates further.
Addl. SP Wokha, K. Soriso, shed light on the district’s increasing drug user cases, stating that Wokha currently has one of the highest numbers of users in the state. He presented strategies the Wokha police are adopting to tackle the issue, including supply reduction through community policing and coordination between enforcement agencies. Soriso stressed that drug abuse is a social problem, urging the public to share information about drug movements and peddlers to assist enforcement agencies. "It is the responsibility of every section of society to help the government root out this menace," he added.
The programme also featured short talks on various aspects of drug abuse, such as community involvement, treatment options, and collaboration with law enforcement. Speakers included C. James Ezung, District Welfare Officer; Dr. Zuchamo Patton, Dy. Chief Medical Officer; and Lichumo Odyuo from DAPCU (Health & Family Welfare).
The programme emphasized the need for community participation in tackling substance abuse and the critical role leaders play in addressing this pressing issue.
