Nagaland observes international day against drug abuse

DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland observed International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking on the theme ‘Breaking the chains: Prevention, treatment and recovery for all’ on Thursday. The day was observed across districts, organised by respective district, departments concerned and various institutions and organisations.

Kohima: The event, organised by the district administration in collaboration with Project REST, Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK), was held at NHAK auditorium.

In his address, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, emphasised the urgent need to strike a balance between rehabilitative and punitive approaches in tackling substance abuse, a DIPR report stated.

“While we must empower medical professionals and organisations to continue healing and reintegration efforts, law enforcement must simultaneously strengthen its crackdown on drug trafficking. Both are necessary, the carrot and the stick,” he said.

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He acknowledged the growing concern that over 90% of drug users are young people. Referring to successful models across the globe, he cited Portugal and Norway for their rehabilitative strategies, and countries like Saudi Arabia and Singapore for their strict punitive measures. The DC emphasised the importance of a balanced approach in Nagaland—combining strong law enforcement to curb supply with robust rehabilitation and reintegration support for those affected.

Delivering a talk on ‘Police and community partnership in drug prevention and harm reduction services,’ Additional SP (Protocol & Traffic) Z Tshurhosie Kajiri underscored that the primary role of law enforcement is not just to arrest but to protect lives.

Kezhosano Kikhi, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Kohima; president of Ark Foundation Ketholelie Angami, and Dr. Sungtimen Jamir, Nodal Officer of Project REST, NHAK, also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Dr. Imotemsu, Managing Director of NHAK, delivered the welcome address.

Dimapur: The day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking was observed at IRCA Prodigals’ Home, Fellowship Colony.

Speaking on the theme, Sr. Inspector, Social Welfare department, Shikato Jimo, emphasised that acceptance sparks change, noting that life's challenges are inevitable, but peace comes from Christ's presence, not problem-free living.

Jimo encouraged everyone to lead by example, walk the right path, stating that, it’s never too late to change

Dimapur District Users Network (DDUN) representative Imti Aier highlighted that drug abuse and trafficking severely impact communities, including Nagaland's, but emphasised that dialogue can resolve issues at all levels.

According to Aier, effective prevention relies on three key pillars, starting with family parenting, as positive parenting enables children to make better choices, while poor parenting can create emotional voids.

He identified schools and churches as the other two pillars. Schools should integrate drug education into their curriculum, beyond academics. Meanwhile, the influential church can shape public opinion and should actively participate in drug prevention initiatives, he added.

Short speeches were also delivered by counsellor of IRCA Prodigals’ Home, T Meren Jamir; Superintendent of NCB Dimapur Field Unit, and a representative of NCORD. (Our Reporter)

Niuland: Niuland district administration in collaboration with Police, Social Welfare department and CAD Foundation, observed the day at Clock Tower, Niuland town.

Director of CAD Foundation, Limhathung Ezung, the main speaker of the event, emphasised that breaking the drug abuse cycle requires collective efforts from churches, leaders, parents, civil societies, and government agencies, focusing on prevention, awareness, and stigma reduction, a DIPR report stated.

ACP Niuland, Nokin Longkumer, highlighted the legal aspects of combating drug trafficking, noting that Nagaland's vast international borders pose significant challenges to controlling these activities.

Medical Officer, CHC Niuland, Dr. Rosemary, disclosed that over 120 individuals in the district are undergoing Opioid Substitute Therapy (OST), highlighting challenges faced by patients and department officials in administering the treatment.

Meluri: The programme was held at Town Hall, Meluri, where Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao, in his exhortation speech, warned that today's youth face numerous temptations of drug abuse, which can have far-reaching consequences for their health, families, and society.

The DC lauded the Müluori Shefü Kügharü and the Pochury Students' Union for spearheading the anti-drug abuse initiative and urged the community to collaborate to make Meluri district a better place.

SDPO, Meluri, Dr. T Desela Sangtam and Medical Officer, CHC Meluri, Dr. Kelelo Pradia, gave PowerPoint presentations on theme ‘Drug Abuse & the Law’ and ‘Commonly abused drugs & opioid substitution therapy,’ respectively.

Tseminyu: The day was observed at Baptist HSS auditorium with Deputy Commissioner of Tseminyu, Japheth Woch as the special guest.

The event, attended by officers of various government departments, school students and youths, also took a collective pledge to make Tseminyu district drug-free.

The program was chaired by EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum and keynote address was delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kikumsangla Jamir, while vote of thanks was pronounced by CDPO Tseminyu, Menokhrielie.

Tuensang: The event was held at Town Hall, Tuensang town, with Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as the special guest.

In her address, the DC emphasised the need for collaboration to combat drug addiction in the district. She highlighted that Tuensang has a fortunate advantage with its addiction treatment facility, which has positively impacted many users.

Rutsa stressed that societal attitudes towards users needed to shift, offering them guidance and support for change. Noting that addiction often stems from broken families, she underscored the crucial role parents play in shaping their children. The DC further encouraged NGOs, churches, and student communities to unite in creating a drug-free society in the district.

Mon: Addressing the event held at Town Council Hall, Mon town, Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak, stressed that drug addiction is a global issue, urging officers and civil societies to collaborate in making their community drug-free.

The DC noted various reasons for addiction, including recreational use, and highlighted alcohol as a gateway drug.

Encouraging preparedness and promising more awareness initiatives, Konyak inspired youngsters to focus on their goals, explore opportunities beyond government sectors, and leverage their education to succeed, warning against letting drug use derail their potential.

OST counsellor Ingaupule Thou emphasised the goal of a drug-free world, highlighting this year's theme's focus on support, recovery, and a shift from punishment to prevention.

ASI Latwang from SP Office Mon, shared insights from a police perspective, highlighting experiences and challenges in addressing drug-related issues in the district.

Representatives from KNSK also requested all officers, civil societies, and common people to join hands together to fight the drug abuse menace. Sashi Yin from Evergreen Welfare Society gave an awareness talk.

Mokokchung: The event was held at DC’s conference hall where Sr. Specialist, IMDH, Dr. Kilangwapang, shared insights on the theme, alongside speeches by Watsu Mungdang's president Tianaro Jamir and AKM's vice-president. The event also included a powerful testimony from Rongsen Jamir, a recovering addict.

The event concluded with remarks from Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma and Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo.

Earlier, District Welfare Officer I Mangliyangba delivered the welcome address, while Youth Director, MTBA, Akangtemsu Yaden said the invocation.

Community, church key to combating drug abuse — Kikheto

HENINGKUNGLA — Principal Secretary of Law & Justice and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Y Kikheto Sema, on Thursday called for collective efforts to combat the negative impacts of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while emphasising the role of the community and the church.

He was addressing the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at Salvage Rehabilitation Centre, Heningkungla, Peren district.

Stating that this year’s theme calls for a collective responsibility to spread awareness about the issue, Kikheto said the theme aims to raise awareness about treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.

He asserted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking cause degradation of the body and mind, expose individuals to risks such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, and contribute to premature death. Besides, families are torn apart with emotional, psychological, and financial burdens.

Nagaland is among the top ten states, with about 40,000 injecting drug users, Sema stated, while asserting that Nagaland is one of the top states in the Northeast with a high number of opioid users, especially heroin.

According to a 2021 survey by the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, there are 6.24 lakh substance users in Nagaland (about 31% of the total population), including 1.11 lakh children and 26,000 women, he informed.

To break the chain, Kikheto stressed the importance of the 4 D’s: Decision, Discipline, Determination, and Divine Help — through the 3 F’s: Family, Friends, and Fellowship. He also expounded on the role of the 3 C’s: Church, Community, and Concerned Citizens.

Earlier, the keynote address was delivered by David Perie, Administrator of OS.

A Anato Swu, author and poet, a former drug addict, also shared his journey and inspired the inmates and clients.

Sakvulo Keppen shared his experience as a recovering addict and encouraged the inmates not to take things into their own hands but to seek help.

I Tsungrosangla Ao, DPO Social Welfare, outlined the Nasha Mukt Bharat Committee's initiatives in Peren.

Meanwhile, ADC Albert Ezung emphasised the dual role of youth as both vulnerable to drug abuse and powerful change-makers, stressing the need to tap their potential for societal benefit.

R John Zeliang, president of ZYON, and Ernest Sephe, president of Zeme Council Nagaland, also spoke on the occasion.

PIB officials brief media on fight against drugs

KOHIMA — In observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kohima, organised a press conference with Shinde Suresh Kailasrao, SP (Narcotics), and Dr. Bernice D Thapru, Joint Director (Prevention) addressing media persons at the Kohima Press Club office.

Kailasrao highlighted that Nagaland's proximity to the Golden Triangle makes it a transit hub for illicit drugs, with substances like ganja, opium, and yaba tablets frequently smuggled to states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

In the past year and a half, Nagaland Police have registered over 270 cases, apprehending more than 465 individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with Kohima and Dimapur reporting the highest number of cases, he said.

The official emphasised on the proactive role of the police force in both law enforcement and community outreach, particularly focusing on awareness programmes in schools and among the young youths.

Dr. Thapru offered a broader psychological and strategic perspective on the crisis. Drug abuse and illicit trafficking must be addressed not only as a criminal issue but also as a psycho-social concern, she said.

She also stressed the need to create a nurturing environment for the younger generation, free from the influence of drugs.

Earlier, K Sonikumar Singh, Assistant Director, PIB, Kohima led the press conference.