Kiphire/Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): The International Border Area Peoples’ Welfare Organization (IBAPWO), Kiphire District Users’ Network (KDUN), Survivors (CBO), KPNP+ and DAPCU observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the theme ‘Listen First’ on June 26 in Kiphire. The programme was jointly organized to “win the hearts” of the drug users and impart awareness, education and self-realization and encourage fellow addicts to access the programs available at the community level, informed a press release.
HC Matthew, Program Manager, IBAPWO gave a presentation on the significance of the day and the progressive scenario of Kiphire district in the Targeted Intervention and its drug users since 2004 till date. He also addressed the issues of intervention at the grassroots level. “No changes can take place unless the demand is controlled, because the supply will always flow with the demands through air or through under earth,” he stated. Therefore, he added, the programme is focused at the demand (drug users’ community) level. Matthew also maintained that changes should begin from the bottom to top and not from top to bottom to address the drug menace.
Tsiavi, DPO, as a special guest speaker spoke on the theme ‘Listen First’. She stressed that “to put anything to actions, one must listen to oneself, one’s inner voice first. As parents we should listen and learn the children’s pressures, problems and then accordingly try to solve their problems.” Likewise, she said, a counselor cannot be a good counselor if she or he gives advice without listening to the clients’ inner thought, feelings and problems. “To guide or to give advice one must first listen and analyze the problems of the clients,” she added.
Life experience was shared by an OST client who has completed treatment, and is also employed with IBAPWO and working for Targeted Intervention as a PE.
The Medical Ward chairman and president of Yinshikiur Union Kiphire were invited as guest speakers considering their knowledge on the issues of drug users at the stakeholders’ level to address and re-address the current situation related to social issues, the release added.
173 Bn CRPF: 173 Bn CRPF, Airfield Dimapur also organized programme to educate youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Dimapur. Joseph Keishing, Commandant, 173 Bn CRPF along with officers and men of the Force, school students and teachers from Kirha LP School, Tangkhul Middle School and Diphupar Government High School Dimapur participated in the event.
A silent march was organized by the battalion along with the school students starting from Kirha LP School, wherein students displayed banners and poster to say no to drugs and to have a life free from addiction, informed a press release from the Commandant.
Upon reaching HQ/173 Bn CRPF, students along with their teachers were made aware about the effects of drugs by Joseph Keishing. He laid emphasis on this year’s theme selected by United Nations ‘Listen first- listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe’. He stressed on listening first to step up in leading healthy, safe life and to reduce the risks caused by use of drugs. “Drugs not only affect physically and mentally but it has numerous adverse effects on social life of an individual,” he cautioned. The programme ended with interaction between students and officers and Jawans of 173 Bn CRPF.
44 Assam Rifles: In Mokokchung, 44 Assam Rifles observed the day with Capt Sauravh Dhand, Regimental Medical Officer of 44 Assam Rifles, conducting a detailed discussion on the theme with AR troops and civilians to educate them about the health hazards of drug abuse and malpractices of illicit trafficking. The session organized by the ‘No Fear Team’ was also aimed at directing the youth of the region in the fight against drug abuse, a press release from AR stated.
