Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): Commemorating the International Day of Anti-Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the state organised seminars, awareness programmes, painting and slogan writing competitions, etc. on the theme ‘Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.’
A DIPR report stated that DLSAs also collaborated with various NGOs, stake holder, Rehabilitation center, de-addiction centers to organise and conduct sensitization programmes for the general masses on the issues of Drug abuse and trafficking.
The Legal Services institutions facilitated the various legislations relating to drug abuse for eradication of drug menace and the existing Government schemes for the welfare of victims of drug abuse highlighting the Legal provisions and right, essential Legal Services to the victims of drug trafficking and drug abuse.
Tuensang: The Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) observed the day highlighting the importance of the Day at CKS hall Tuensang. It was organized in Collaboration with Integrated Development Society, Tuensang with the main objective to raise awareness among public on Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking on the theme “Lets develop our lives, our communities, our identities without drugs”. The programme was moderated by Antimangyang, Retainer Lawyer, Tuensang DLSA. N. Kano Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tuensang and Secretary TLDSA gave an introduction on the Legal services Authority in his Key note address. Yangpi, Programme Manager ITS, highlighted on Role of TI (Targeted Intervention) and shared on ITS activities. Z, James Sema, SDPO Tuensang spokes on “Legal Provisions on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit trafficking” while Dr. Sungmo, DPO (NLEP), CMO Office Tuensang Presented On “Misuse of Drugs and Its Health Hazards & PC & PNDT Act”. She emphasized on the concept of Pre concept and PNDT Act and gave awareness on prohibition of sex determination. She also stated on the fact that depression and emotional stress leads to addiction. Tsheliu, EAC Tuensang attended the day as a special Guest. She said “drugs dependence is a Brain Disease which harm Individual, family and society therefore adopting healthy life contribute the betterment of the society”.
An introduction to NALSA scheme called ‘Legal Services to victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace’ Scheme 2015 was presented and apprised by Yimtsusangla Chang, Legal Aid Council cum trainer, Nagaland State Legal services Authority , where she highlighted the importance of setting up of special unit, comprising of Judicial Officer, Administration, Police, Medical, Revenue, Forest Departments, Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers and NGO workers with the aim to render better services to the victims of drug abuse. The programme concluded with interaction session and summing up by chairperson. The day was a progressive one with the participation of multi- sectoral collaboration where stakeholders from the Department of Health, Police, NGOs, Gaon Burahs and Dobashis.
Wokha: The Wokha DLSA commemorated the Day by organizing a Programme at Mount Tiyi Government College in collaboration with The Nagaland Users Network (NUN) targeting the student masses. Principal of Mt. Tiyi Government College welcomed the participants of the programme highlighting the significance of the day. Adv. Gracy Ezung, Retainer Lawyer of Wokha DLSA spoke on the meaning and essence of observing the International Day of Anti-Drugs and Illicit Trafficking. Later, Zachamo Ovung, Project Officer, North East Technical Support unit Users (NETSU) gave a presentation on the aspects of Role & Activities of Nagaland User Network.
The Members of the Nagaland Users Network (NUN) gave Testimony on the real world facts and experiences as Drugs Users and abusers. Renbemo Tungoe, Asst. Public Prosecutor, Wokha gave detailed elaboration and the framework of the National Legal Services Authority Scheme; ‘Legal services to the victims of drug abuse and eradication of drug menace scheme – 2015’. The Programme was chaired by Adv. M.A Lotha, Panel Lawyer of Wokha DLSA and concluded with vote of thanks by Adv. Renbonthing, Meanwhile, a competition on the topic “Slogan writing Competition” was also organised by Wokha DLSA. The prize award was sponsored by Nino Iralu, District & Sessions Judge, Wokha and the 1st prize was bagged by ErenbeniJ. Jami, B.A 3rd Semester of Mt. Tiyi Govt. College, 2nd prize by Benchilo Lotha of B.A 3rd Semester of Mt. Tiyi Govt. College and 3rd prize by Thungden M.Lotha, B.A 3rd Semester of Mt. Tiyi Govt. College, Wokha.
Longleng: In Longleng, the International Day of Anti-Drugs and Illicit Trafficking was observed at the Longleng District Court Building. Mane Phom, Retainer Lawyer of Longlenf DLSA spoke on the implications of NDPSA Act 1983 and P.MonyeiPhom, Panel Lawyer emphasis on “Ill Effect of Drugs”. Later, ImlichubaOhoma, Para Legal Volunteer, spoke on the provisions of the Legal Services Authority Act 1987.
Dimapur: Dimapur DLSA observed International Day against Drug abuse & Illicit trafficking by organizing a programme at Bethesda Rehabilation centre. The program was chaired by R.Longshithung Kithan, Project Manager and Dzuvinuo Chadi, panel Lawyer briefed on the cornerstones of Legal services institution. She also emphasized on the eligibility criteria of a person who are entitled to free legal aid such as the physically challenged, economically weak, ST and SC, a person with income less than rupees 1 lakh annually. Such people are beneficiaries of Free Legal Services and are entitled to get free legal aid. Chadi also highlighted about various Central and State Government schemes. Zuchumpeni spoke on NALSA Scheme called ‘Legal Services to the victim of drug abuse& eradication of drug’. She highlighted on the efforts extended by the Government agencies and NGOs, the laid down framework and approach to fight and eradicate the Drug abuse and menace created by drug usage, out crying that it is our sole responsibility to spread awareness on the ill effect of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking to our fellow citizen.
Wonchibeni Patton, First class Judicial magistrate-cum-chairman of juvenile Justice Board (JJB) spoke on the significance of celebrating the day citing that the drug abuse and alcoholic effect everyone in the society causing adverse negative impact within the social setup. Patton stated that WHO has commemorate the day,to fight against Drug abuse and to curb the Drug supply. Shealso asserted on tackling the issue stating that we have to help each other by listening to the child and youth is the first step. She also emphasized that children and youth are the most vulnerable to Drugs due to pressure, frustration, all the issues and complications in life. Patton further stated that the drug abuse is not only illicit but also illegal and the term of imprisonment may even extend upto 10 years. Later she remarked that it is our duty to give our commitment towards the stand against the Drug that,we should not be a slave or control over by drug rather overcome and control it. She also stated that today is not a day to celebrate but to join hands and fight against the social evils of Drug uses and trafficking.
Zunheboto: In Zunheboto, the 5 Assam Rifles and Kripa Foundation-CCFZ jointly organised a programme in association with the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority held at 5 Assam Rifle, Pancham Hall, Zunheboto. The programme also featured the participation of various organizations and members of stakeholders such as the Zunheboto Users Forum, Salvatus Christian society, DAPCU, GBs & DBs, SBCZ, ZTSBC, Tenyimia church, Ao church, Green club and DIPR. The importance and outline of the Programme was elaborated by ToviZ. Yeptho, Retainer Lawyer, Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority. Tovi later also apprised the participants on the underlying provisions and framework of the NALSA Schemes. SALVATUS shared on the DIC experience with regard to the alarming situations prevailing in the district of Zunheboto. The KRIPA Foundation highlighted the Drug Addiction Scenario in Zunheboto and the menace of illicit trafficking and the issues faced as a result of dependence on drugs and addiction.
Meanwhile, similar programmes were also held in Mokokchung, Mon, Kohima and Peren by the respective DLSAs.
