DIMAPUR — The department of Social Welfare and District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan organised an awareness programme on drugs and substance abuse for the community leaders including the Wokha town councilors, colony council chairmen and GBs at Lotha Hoho conference hall on Friday.
Delivering the keynote address, the ADC of Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, pointed out that drugs and substance abuse is one of the most serious problems faced by the society today. He stated that it not only destroys the mental and physical life of an individual but his entire family, stated a DIPR report.
Terming the issue as a matter of great concern, he called upon the community leaders to come together and take up serious steps to stop drugs and substance abuse in the society before it is too late.
He further appealed to the community leaders to spread awareness regarding the consequences of substance abuse and its adverse affect on a person’s physical health and the society at large.
The additional superintendent of police, Wokha, K Soriso, while presenting the drugs scenario, stated that in recent times Wokha district has witnessed an alarming increase in number of drugs use.
He highlighted some of the key strategies of the Wokha Police in dealing with drug problem such as supply reduction through community policing, bringing down demand, effective coordination among enforcement agencies and sharing of intelligence. He added that Wokha police is in constant touch with the neighbouring counterparts.
Emphasising on the way forward in combating drugs menace, he stated that drug abuse is a social problem and should not leave the responsibility to the police along. He added that public should come forward and share information about any movement of drugs and peddlers.
“It is the responsibility of every section of societies to help enforcement agencies of the government to root out this menace,” he said.
Short talks on topics relating to drugs and substance abuse such as sensitising the community by conducting awareness, giving information about the treatment, role of public leaders in combating substance abuse, community involvement and collaboration with law enforcement, empowering public leaders were presented by the district welfare officer of Wokha, C James Ezung; deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Zuchamo Patton; and DAPCU (H&FW), Lichumo Odyuo.