Schools in Kohima take anti-drug pledge

DIMAPUR — The Kohima district administration, in collaboration with Kohima District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Committee, organised a ‘Pledge against drug abuse and awareness programme on substance abuse primary prevention’ across three government schools — GHS Chandmari, GMS Merhülietsa and GHSS Jotsoma, on Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, the initiative aimed to raise awareness and strengthen community resolve to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among youth.

At Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Jotsoma, the resource person was Dr. R Rose representing Youth Mission, a centre that provides comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery services.

Dr. Rose shared poignant experiences from his work, emphasising that addiction is not a moral failure but a chronic, relapsing disease requiring consistent care and empathy.

He highlighted the disturbing rise in substance use among teenagers. “Addiction doesn’t care about age or education. I have students, young professionals, even teenagers as young as 16 fall into the trap,” he said.

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He highlighted the growing threat of substance misuse, including dangerous combinations of Yaba, Spasmo Proxyvon, and crystal meth, as well as the rising use of sunflower (a type of heroin) among youth.

“They may seem harmless—even natural—but these substances alter brain chemistry and slowly lead to dependency,” he warned.

He reminded students that even a single poor decision can change the trajectory of their lives.

“You can lose your health, your peace, and your purpose in a single night. Choose wisely. Your future depends on the choices you make today,” he added.

As part of the programme, the NMBA Pledge was administered by Rorheu Pesieye, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Kohima Sadar, while the Youth Anti-Drug Pledge was led by Thungchamo Mozhui, second Officer-in-Charge of South Police Station, Kohima.

The event also featured a signature campaign, an invocation by Neivakrano Zashumo, and a special performance by Class 12 students. The programme, chaired by Walo, concluded with a united call for young people to rise above peer pressure, misinformation, and social acceptance of substance use.

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