
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 26
Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking here at Hotel Japfu Kohima under the theme “Listen First.”
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Social Welfare Kiyanilie Peseyie called upon each and every individual to put a collective effort to prevent and reduce the damage that drug does to society and together build a healthier and safer world.
He said that drug trafficking, once viewed largely as a social and criminal problem, and has in recent years become a major threat to the health and security of the people and the regions.
“Government has responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but our societies can also make major contributions. Families, schools, civil society and church organizations can do their part to rid their communities of drugs,” Peseyie said.
We can succeed if we reinforce our commitment to the basic principles of health and human rights, shared responsibility, a balanced approach to reducing supply and demand, and universal access to prevention, treatment and support, the minister said adding that that this will foster communities free of drug related crime and violence, individual free of drug dependence who can contribute to our common future, and safer world for all.
He said that the time has now come for us all to become practical and realistic to stand up and meet the challenges that confront us today.
Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar said that human civilization has been struggling with the problem of drug for centuries and added that the problem has grown more dangerous as we go on the path of economic and social progress.
He said that drug abuse poses a very real and deep danger to the society because it causes economic loss, massive health problem including the deadly disease such as AIDS, and puts the whole productivity of the society at risk.
“The society and the government must fight this menace with all means available at their disposal,” he said.
He requested the Police department to sensitize their personnel manning check gates and stated that the excise, police, and other departments such as state intelligence and other security forces need to work together to improve effectiveness in controlling the supply.
On Nagaland Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy 2016 that was released today, he said that certain issues if needed will be incorporated so that the policy functions better and operate in an effective manner.
I. Toshitsungba, (IPS), IGP Crime (PHQ) in his speech gave the details of seizures made by the state and enforcement efforts for the last five years.
Neidonuo Angami former NMA president and Padmashree awardee and Nino Iralu, Member Secretary NSLSA also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Dellirose M. Sakhrie, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare. Special number was presented by Besuto Nienu while vote of thanks was proposed by Abou Mere, Director Kripa Foundation.
Mon observes World Drugs Day
Mon, June 26 (DIPR): Along with the rest of the world, Mon too observed International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking under the theme “Listen First” at Main Bazaar Junction, Mon on June 26. The programme was jointly organized by the District Administration, DEF, DWO, Excise, 33 Assam Rifles, World Vision India, KNSK, KSU, MTSU, DAPCU, Shamshan Organization and Mon Users Network (MUN).
Addressing a massive gathering of people from all walks of life at daily bazaar junction the Deputy Commissioner, Mon, W. Honje Konyak said that drug is not a new thing for the people of Konyak and he recalled the initiative taken by the Konyak Students Union (KSU) against opium and the KNSK against IMFL in the district which eventually led to creation of Nagaland Liquor Prohibition Act (Dry State) which is still in effect in the state.
Lamenting that despite various frisking, banning of wine shops, Acts, and other initiatives taken by the Church, NGOs and the Government for a dry state, he said drugs, opium, IMFL etc. are available in the state because of the fact that it is openly available in the nighbouring state and is easily transported to the state.
He asserted that the main challenge is how to address the issues that are easily available in our neighbours and suggested to have a strong mechanism with effective strategies and action plan. Therefore, Honje appealed to have a joint venture comprising of the Government, Churches, NGOs and Civil societies to take ownership of the problem and thus, be the driving force and lead that mechanism to tackle the issues. He particularly urged upon the KSU, the students’ organization to take the lead to mould and shape the destiny of the youths “who are easily prone to drugs and opium.”
To mark the occasion, illegal consignments like opium, SP & nitro tablets, IMFL worth more than three lakhs apprehended by the KNSK were destroyed after the formal programme.
The President Konyak Union (KU) Manlip Konyak, Head Mistress, Model School Nalini, and the president KNSK, Lomei Konyak also spoke and exhorted the gathering.
Earlier, the significance of the day was proposed by Dr. Ngampa, MO PMR Dist. Hospital and Anti-Drugs Trafficking Act was pronounced by N. Mannon Konyak, Penal Lawyer MDLSA, while life testimony was shared by Athum of Mon Users Network.