Niuland, June 26 (MExN): International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across Nagaland under the theme ‘Breaking the chain: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery for All’ on June 26.
Niuland District Administration in collaboration with Niuland Police, Social Welfare Department and CAD Foundation, organised the event at Clock Tower, Niuland Town.
Reflecting on the theme, Director CAD Foundation, Limhathung Ezung, stated that breaking the chain of the drugs related abuse is very important aspect which should be collective efforts including from churches, public leaders, parents, civil societies in collaboration with the government agencies. Ezung highlighted on how to address the issue such as preventive measures, stigma and creating awareness programme.
ACP Niuland, Nokin Longkumer, spoke about the legal aspect in dealing with the drugs & narcotic problems and illicit trafficking and said due to the state having a vast area with international borders, it is challenging task to completely control those activities.
Medical Officer CHC Niuland, Dr Rosemary, while highlighting the status of Opioid Substitute therapy (OST) stated that more than 120 people is currently availing OST treatment in the district and shared their problems and inconvenience face by the department officials on OST treatment.
Aviho Achumi who is currently undergoing the OST treatment from CHC Niuland also presented a message.
Meluri: In Meluri, the programme was organised by District Administrative Department in collaboration with Social Welfare Department, Meluri held at the Town hall.
Deputy Commissioner, Meluri, K Mhathung Tsanglao, NCS, in his speech, said that there are many chances for today's youth to fall into the temptation of drug abuse, which affects not only their health but also their families and society as a whole. He expressed his appreciation to Müluori Shefü Kügharü and the Pochury Students' Union for initiating and sacrificing their time to fight against drug abuse.
SDPO, Meluri, Dr T Desela Sangtam, NPS and Medical officer, CHC Meluri, Dr Kelelo Pradia presented a power point on themes of Drug Abuse & the Law, and Commonly Abused Drugs & Opioid Substitution Therapy, respectively.
TSEMINYU: International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was held at Baptist Higher Secondary School’s auditorium hall, Tseminyu with Deputy Commissioner Tseminyu, Japheth Woch (NCS) as the special guest.
The programme was attended by District Officers of various government departments, school students & youths to observe the day earmarked to fight against drug abuse and a pledge was also taken by all attendees to make Tseminyu a drug-free district.
TUENSANG: In Tuensang, the day was observed at the Town Hall. The programme was organised by Department of Social welfare Tuensang, Addiction Treatment Facility and Opioid Substitution Therapy and District Hospital Tuensang, with Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as the special guest.
In her address, the DC Tuensang emphasised on collaboration in order to fight against drug addiction in the district. Tuensang is fortunate to have addiction treatment facility where many drug users are treated and have some positive changes. She added “our society’s mindset should change towards the user and give them a chance to change by giving them proper guidance and support. Many addictions happen among the broken families where parents have a great role to play in moulding the children.”
The DC also encouraged the NGOs, churches and the students’ community to come together and pave a way for a drug-free society in the District.
Mon: Addressing the programme held at Town Council Hall, Mon, the Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak, NCS, said that drug addiction is a serious issue not only Nagaland or India but of the whole world.
Taking notes of the theme, he appealed to all the officers, civil societies to work together, to fight against drug abuse and make this society a drug-free society. He added that there are many reasons for the addiction, some just for fun sake, leading to addiction mentioning that alcohol is also one of the drugs. He encouraged to be prepared and assured that he will try to bring more awareness in the district.
He appealed to the youngsters to not let drugs dim their bright, but to focus on their goals. He urged them to not only focus in government sectors, but also in the private sector. For an educated person the door is always open, make your way to serve. Don’t let your goal vanish by drug, he said.
OST Counsellor, Mon, Ingaupule Thou highlighted that the year’s theme represents a holistic approach a shift from punishment to prevent stigma to support and from despair to recovery. She encouraged all the concerned to have a role to play together to build a future where every individual has the right and opportunity to live free from the horror of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. She also highlighted the OST data in the Mon District Hospital and also from Satellite Tobu, Aboi, Chen.
ASI, SP Office Mon, Latwang, shared his experiences, from the police perspective in the District. He said that some of the causes of addiction are Addiction traits passed down from father to child (history), peer group, leisure, broken families and school dropouts.
Representatives from KNSK also requested all the officers, civil societies, and common people to join hands together to fight against drug abuse to make our society a better place. Sashi Yin from Evergreen Welfare Society, Mon gave an awareness talk.
Mokokchung: Organised by District-level Nasha Bharat Abhiyan Committee, Mokokchung, the day was commemorated at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Mokokchung on June 26.
Sr Specialist, IMDH, Dr Kilangwapang, shared his insight on the theme while short speeches were delivered by President, Waysu Mungdang, Tianaro Jamir and Vice-President AKM. Rongsen Jamir, a recovering addict, shared his testimony while Imkum Ozukum presented a special number.
Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS and Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, NPS, gave the concluding remarks.
