Rupin Sharma and other senior police officials with representatives of Konyak CSOs at Police Headquarters, Kohima.
DIMAPUR — The Konyak Union (KU), in collaboration with the Konyak Students' Union (KSU) and Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), has agreed in principle to work jointly with the Nagaland Police to combat the growing drug menace in Mon district and beyond.
The decision was taken during a consultation meeting convened by Director General of Police Rupin Sharma and senior officers of Police Headquarters (PHQ) with representatives of the Konyak civil society organisations at PHQ, Kohima, on September 10.
According to a press statement issued by the Konyak Union, the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, deliberated on the prevailing law and order situation in Mon, the increasing influx of drug users and peddlers, and concerns over the district being used as a transit route and centre for illicit drugs.
The Konyak civil society organisations emphasised that the drug menace had evolved beyond a law-and-order concern into a serious social threat, particularly to the younger generation.
They stressed the need for stronger enforcement, improved intelligence coordination, preventive measures, rehabilitation and sustained community participation.
As a significant outcome, the organisations and the Nagaland Police agreed in principle to establish a structured mechanism for joint action against drugs.
The modalities of the initiative are expected to be formalised shortly through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Konyak civil society organisations and PHQ, Kohima.
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The meeting also discussed the need to strengthen the District-Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) to ensure coordinated and accountable action by all concerned departments and stakeholders.
It further emphasised enhanced coordination among the district administration, Nagaland Police, Village Guards, Mon District Bar Association, churches, student organisations, civil society organisations and the general public.
The Konyak Union stated that it had been working to revive and carry forward its declaration of war against drugs, launched on September 4, 2019. However, it noted that the lack of a regular source of income had constrained its ability to sustain and expand its activities.
The union said it had submitted numerous proposals to concerned departments and agencies seeking financial assistance over the years, but the response had been discouraging.
Despite these challenges, it reaffirmed its commitment to the cause and its decision to collaborate closely with the Nagaland Police.
During the meeting, the DGP stated that tackling the drug menace required not only strict enforcement but also collective and sustained efforts involving the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, churches, parents, educational institutions and the wider community.
The Konyak civil society organisations assured the Nagaland Police and the government of their fullest cooperation in protecting the younger generation and promoting a safer and healthier society.
The union appealed to the public to remain vigilant, reject the use and trafficking of illegal drugs, and share credible information with law enforcement agencies.
It maintained that the fight against drugs was a collective responsibility and expressed determination to contribute meaningfully towards making Mon district free from the growing menace of drugs.