Mon celebrates International Day Against Drug-Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Minphong Konyak
Mon June 27 (MExN): Joining the rest of the world, Mon observed International Day Against Drug-Abuse and Illicit-Trafficking June 26, for the first time. The programme, aside from other activities, strongly highlighted the need of the Church to decidedly involve itself in the fight against such “secular” issues which are detrimental to the society. The programme was organized by Mon NGOs assisted by the Mon District Administration.
A road-show programme was held at three main junctions of Mon Town where thousands of common citizens were attracted to the message through various performances including lively and melodious musical performances. by local artists. Thousands of people attended the event in the three venues which started at 9.00 am and ended by 4.00pm.
Speaking on the occasion, Madam Yumah, President of the KNSK emphasized the important and essential role the Naga Church could play towards eradication of drug-related problems in the Naga society. She expressed confidence that the local Churchs still possess enormous authority and resources, which can be used powerfully to address the evils of drugs in Nagaland. Madam Yumah also urged the Mon District Administration to stringently use all available public resources and funds for the eradication of the drug menace and related maladies.
Manpong, President of the Konyak Students Union (KSU), also gave the commitment that as always the students' body would resume as well as sustain the student organization's campaign against drugs. The KSU president also assured that a new detoxification programme would be completed by the end of this year at Mon Town where the victims of drug-scourge would be treated.
Metjen Konyak, Financial Secretary of the Konyak Baptist Church Association (KBBB), also reinforced the views of the society that the Church's involvement would help the cause to a great measure.
The Church leader said that the drug-menace is not only a problem of the NGOs and Government but the Church’s and the society as well. The Church should now realize that it is a common problem which has affected every single citizen in one way or the other, Konyak reminded adding that all must take up the challenge to build a drug-free society.
M Patton the new Deputy Commissioner of Mon District thanked the Mon NGOs for organizing the event. The new DC shared his views on the evils of drug abuse in the society. According to Deputy Commissioner Patton, during the head-hunting era of the Nagas,innumerable Naga lives were lost. But with the advent of Christianity the head-hunting tendencies have been put to an end. “But now a more dangerous evil in the form of drugs has infected our society. Drugs have taken many lives and will claim more in near future” DC Patton said. The DC appealed to the people not to indulge in substance-abuse “for the sake of 10 minutes pleasure, which will take away our whole life.”
The Administrator also assured full co-operation of the District Administration in the fight of the society against drugs. He warned drug peddlers that there will be no mercy if caught indulging in any illegal activities related to drugs.
Other highlights of the programme were painful but heart-touching testimonies shared by recovering addicts who now are working either in Churches or in various detoxification and rehabilitation centers etc. They shared their hard pasts and how they finally turned from the hard life as drug adicts. Their sad stories and self- determination through which they could save themselves, moved the crowd.
.jpg)
