District Level Sensitization Workshop and Harm Reduction for Law Enforcing Agencies held
Morung Express News
Kiphire | August 4
The District Level Sensitization Workshop and Harm Reduction for Law Enforcing Agencies was held on August 4 with Sedevikho Khro, DC Kiphire as chief guest and Ben Longkumer, SP Kiphire as guest of honour at the DC conference hall. It was jointly organized by the Kripa foundation Kohima, FHI 360, Police Department, NSACS and District Administration.
Speaking at the programme and addressing the gathering the DC said that as a custodian of law in the district, we should know how to decide what to consume and what not to consume for the welfare of ourselves as well as for society. “We have only one life to live, it should not become garbage,” he said.
Sharing his deep concern on the alarming rise of HIV prevalence in Kiphire district the DC called upon the participants saying, “Let the district be projected for good reason and not for issues such as HIV and AIDS. Every individual is a stakeholder when it comes to HIV/AIDS and families, churches, society and citizens should think seriously.”
The DC also said that the problem of HIV/AIDS was alien to Naga society just few decades back but today we are facing this problem which also reflects the loopholes in our society and asked the gathering to think and act where ever necessary to bring change in society. He also gave his full assurance the Kripa foundation and the visiting team to visit the district and organize such program in the future as well so that the message is reaches to everyone.
Ben Longkumer, SP Kiphire who also spoke on the occasion said that the problem of HIV/AIDS is known to everyone but we tend to be ignorant of the issue which is nothing but reflecting our hypostatic nature. Advising the jawans and the participants SP Ben said, “Discrimination and stigmatization should not happen in work places or when it comes with HIV/AIDS patients as they too have human right and also appeal the participants to know oneself, and the responsibility so that the message is carried forward to the society.”
He also added that the district needs at least one detox and rehab centre which will be very helpful to the district to deal with this issues.
Abou Mere, Director Kripa foundation spoke in depth on the basic of drugs and added, the state government has come out with come out with drug abuse prevention and treatment policy 2016 and also added addiction is as diseases. He also said, “everyone is talking about control but demand reduction is less touched and appeal the participants to balance when dealing with this issue and also added, there is no place to distress as there is no recreational centers which also lead the people to take drugs.”
Ketho Angami, program co-ordinator Kripa foundation/project sunrise also spoke on harm reduction and its services. DAPCU Kiphire also gave a presentation of the status of HIV/AIDS in the district.
