Dimapur, June 27 (EMN): Commemorating the International Day Against Anti-Drugs and Illicit Trafficking (IDAADIT), various units of the district legal services authorities (DLSAs) across the state have 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" on June 26.
DLSAs have collaborated with various NGOs, stakeholders, rehabilitation centres, and de-addiction centres in organising sensitisation programmes on the ills of drug abuse and trafficking.
The legal services institutions have facilitated on various legislations relating to drug abuse for eradication of drug menace and the existing government schemes for the welfare of victims of drug abuse. They have also highlighted on 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) has observed 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.
The programme was moderated by Ms Antimangyang, DLSA retainer lawyer, while N Kano, chief judicial magistrate and secretary TDLSA, gave an introduction on the legal services authority in his keynote address.
Yangpi, ITS programme manager, has 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 speech on “misuse of drugs and its health hazards and PC & PNDT Act.” She emphasised on the concept of pre-concept and PNDT Act and gave awareness on prohibition of sex determination.
Tsheliu, EAC Tuensang and special guest, said “drugs dependence is a brain disease which harms the individual, family and society. She has encouraged adopting healthy life for 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 by Ms Yimtsusangla Chang, legal aid counsellor cum trainer of Nagaland state legal services authority. She has highlighted on 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.
Wokha: Wokha DLSA commemorated the day at Mount Tiyi Government College in collaboration with the Nagaland Users Network (NUN). Principal of Mt. Tiyi Government College has welcomed the participants and highlighted on the significance of the day.
Gracy Ezung, DLSA retainer lawyer, spoke on the meaning and essence of observing the day, while Zachamo Ovung, project officer of North East Technical Support Unit Users (NETSU), gave a presentation on the roles and activities of the organisation.
Renbemo Tungoe, assistant public prosecutor, Wokha, has elaborated on the ‘framework of the national legal services authority scheme,’ and ‘Legal services to the victims of drug abuse and eradication of drug menace scheme – 2015.’
It has also organised a slogan writing competition in which the prize award was sponsored by Mrs Nino Iralu, district & sessions Judge, Wokha. The first prize was bagged by Ms Erenbeni J.Jami, BA 3rd semester of Mt. Tiyi Government College, while the second prize was won by Benchilo Lotha, BA 3rd semester student of Mt. Tiyi Government College, and the third prize was won by Thungden M Lotha, BA 3rd semester student of Mt. Tiyi Government College, Wokha.
Longleng district also observed the day at Longleng district court building. Mane Phom, DLSA retainer lawyer, spoke on the implications of NDPSA Act 1983 and Ms P Monyei Phom, panel lawyer, spoke on “ill effects of drugs.” Imlichuba Ohoma, para legal volunteer, spoke on the provisions of the legal services authority act 1987.
Dimapur DLSA observed the day at Bethesda Rehabilitation Centre. The program was chaired by R Longshithung Kithan, project manager, and Ms Dzuvinuo Chadi, panel lawyer, has briefed on the cornerstones of legal services institution. She also emphasised 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 INR 1 lakh annually. 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, laid down framework and approach to fight and eradicate drug abuse and menace created by drug usage.
Mrs Wonchibeni Patton, first class judicial magistrate-cum-chairman of juvenile justice board (JJB), spoke on the significance of celebrating the day by citing that drug abuse and alcoholic affects everyone in the society causing adverse negative impact within the social setup.
She asserted that children and youth are most vulnerable to drugs due to pressure, frustration, and complications in life. She has further encouraged everyone to commit themselves to overcome the menace of drug addiction in the society.
In Mokokchung, the day was marked by organising a seminar on the theme “Lets develop our communities, our identities without drugs.” It was jointly organised by the Mokokchung DLSA, police department, ABAM, AKM, Christ church, and MMA at Penli ward community hall.
Bendnagwati Aier, CCC project director, spoke on the significance of the day. It was followed by a special number presented by members of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), MTBA fellowship. Topic on drug abuses and trafficking was shared by Rongsen, recovering addict, MUN.
The programme was chaired by Joshua, OST data manager, while short message on drug uses, addiction, ill effect, exploitation and illegal trafficking was presented by Dr. Kibang, deputy chief medical officer, and Dinesh Gupta, SDPO, Mokokchung.
In Zunheboto, the programme was organised jointly by 5 Assam Rifles and Kripa Foundation-CCFZ in association with the Zunheboto district legal services authority at 5 Assam Rifle’s pancham hall, Zunheboto.
Representatives from Zunheboto Users Forum, Salvatus Christian Society, DAPCU, GBs and DBs, SBCZ, ZTSBC, Tenyimia church, Ao church, Green club and DIPR attended the programme.
Tovi Z Yeptho, ZDLSA retainer lawyer, has apprised the participants on the provisions and framework of the NALSA schemes. A representative from Salvatus also shared on the alarming situations prevailing in Zunheboto district, while official from KRIPA Foundation has highlighted on the drug addiction scenario in Zunheboto and the menace of illicit trafficking.
Other DLSA units from Mon, Kohima, and Peren also have observed the day.
: 6 Sector Assam Rifles has observed the International Day on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Dimapur and Peren districts on June 26.
The event was aimed at educating and spreading awareness amongst students and the local population about the ill effects of drugs and to counter its illicit trafficking in Nagaland. Various activities such awareness march/lectures, poster making competition, drawing competition and friendly volleyball match were conducted to mark the occasion.
