Nagaland DGP addressing a state level seminar on substance abuse in Nagaland and its impact on women organized by Nagaland State Commission for Women at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on October 5. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express news
Kohima | October 5
Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma said there is very little synchronisation of efforts among enforcement agencies or individuals to effectively address the issue of substance abuse although there are mechanisms functioning in place at different level.
Most of the efforts are individual or institution based, maintained the State Director General of Police (DGP) added, addressing a state-level seminar on substance abuse and its impact on women. The seminar was organised by the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and supported by the National Commission for Women (NCW) at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima today.
Reminding that the police or other government enforcement agencies are the bridge to any individual, organisation or civil society, Sharma appealed anyone not to take law into their own hands, which is not only illegal and not within their mandate or jurisdiction.
The same, he said, will be liable against offences such as extortion, abduction, abetment of crime or illegal confinement.
The DGP also urged the public to help the police to combat the menace by informing against activities involved in drug abuse. Further, he also suggested to impose a sort of reverse stigma against people involved in substance abuse by consider them as criminal and not as victim.
The DGP also asked the public to avoid bailing out such individuals in custody, not even family member.
On the issue of substance abuse among women, he cited an observation that a lot of women in the state are involved in substance and drug peddling, trafficking, transporting, financing.
He, however, warned that men misuse the services of women with the mindset that latter who facilitate the drug business or other crimes are not resorted to checking or questioning.
Sharma, however, debunked the notion and stated that the law neither leave nor is lenient to anyone behind punishment based on gender.
On rehabilitation, he said spaces and avenues to set up such centres with workforce were limited for many departments, including the Police.
Urging other department to utilise free spaces for such facilities, he also batted for initiating programmes to properly set up and implement these facilities.
Resurgence of drug abuse
Meanwhile, NSCW Chairperson W Ngingeih Konyak stressed on the crucial need to address substance abuse and maintained that the state is experiencing a resurgence of drug abuse today.
Women face 'unique' challenges of substance abuse – they not only get involved in misuse but are abused and exploited, she opined.
Citing visits undertaken by the NSCW to some districts, Ngingeih said that many of the drug peddlers are women and particularly in the homes of those who abuse drugs, they fall victims of domestic violence.
This results in vicious cycle of trauma and misuse to overcome the abuse for the women folks, she added.
Women who use substance and drugs, are subjected to stigma, discrimination and domestic violence more than men, which deter them to seek help and rehabilitation, she added.
Guest of honour NCW Joint Secretary, A Ashuli Chalai lamented that state machinery is not active enough to address the issue of substance use. This, he implied, was regrettable given the vulnerability that the state embroiled in drug peddling and abuse, taking entry through golden triangle.
While the extent of its impact cannot be measured, Chalai noted that it tremendously affects the normal fabric of the society in many areas. He mentioned that substance abuse have become very common today that it has gone out of control and social stigma, domestic violence, lack of awareness, associated with substance abuse is very high. To this end, Chalai urged the state government to create more employment avenues as youths are using substance and alcohol out of frustration and stress.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department Imkongzenla informed about the initiative being taken by the Social Welfare Department related to substance abuse although there is yet to be a target intervention. However, she said that the department is pursuing with the government for setting up of rehabilitation centre particularly for women and children in the state.
In the technical session, president of Network of Nagaland Drugs & AIDS Organization (NNagaDAO) Abou Mere spoke on major impact of drug abuse in family and society; and K Ela, Director Prodigals Home, Dimapur dwelled on Importance of early intervention and support. Dr Tiamenla Phom, NPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dimapur spoke on Drug Abuse- criminality and victimisation of women; while Apila Sangtam, Legal Consultant, NSCW spoke on substance abuse and law.
