The Kohima District Administration, in collaboration with the District NMBA Committee, conducted a “Pledge Against Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse Primary Prevention” awareness programme. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Kohima District Administration, in collaboration with the District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Committee, conducted a “Pledge Against Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse Primary Prevention” awareness programme across three government schools — GHS Chandmari, GMS Merhülietsa, and GHSS Jotsoma — as part of its anti-drug initiative.
At Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Jotsoma, Dr R. Rose from Youth Mission, a rehabilitation and addiction recovery centre, served as the resource person.
Dr Rose emphasised that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease requiring consistent care and empathy, not moral judgment. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate by age or background,” he said, warning of a disturbing rise in teenage substance abuse.
He pointed to the increasing use of dangerous substances such as Yaba, Spasmo Proxyvon, crystal meth, cough syrups, and ‘sunflower’ (a heroin derivative), explaining how these substances alter brain chemistry and create dependence. Citing real cases, Dr Rose spoke of individuals consuming up to 10 bottles of cough syrup daily or spending over Rs 2,000 per day on drugs, leading to manipulation, theft, and family breakdowns.
“Young people are the most vulnerable but also our greatest hope,” he told students. “If you stay away from drugs, the demand will fall, the business will collapse, and lives will be saved.”
Concluding his address, he shared his personal motto: “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour, and life.” Now 76 years old, he urged students to live a disciplined life guided by respect, humility, and faith.
Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Kohima Sadar, Rorheu Pesieye administered the NMBA Pledge, while the Youth Anti-Drug Pledge was led by SI Thungchamo Mozhui, 2nd Officer-in-Charge, South Police Station, Kohima.
The programme also included a special performance by Class 12 students, a signature campaign, and an invocation by Neivakrano Zashumo. The event, chaired by Walo, concluded with a collective call for students to resist peer pressure and misinformation about drug use.
