Turning Tide on Drug Addiction

For Nagaland, the 1990s were a forgettable period. The menace of drug abuse was so profound during this time that hundreds of families were left distraught by the untimely deaths of young people due to substance abuse, in addition to the economic impact. With few resources to tackle the unprecedented humanitarian crisis that befell the state then, people watched helplessly as youths died and criminal activities, including theft and shootings, surged.

Thankfully, the situation improved dramatically in the ensuing years due to relentless awareness campaigns and workshops by government departments, civil societies, church organisations, and intellectuals. However, it seems that history is on the verge of repeating itself, judging by reports of a resurgence in drug abuse among the youth in the state. This disturbing trend must be addressed urgently to avoid a repeat of the 1990s scenario or even worse.

As the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (annually observed on June 26), with the aim of strengthening action and cooperation for a world free of drug abuse, we should come together as a community and combat this menace with empathy. The occasion should also serve as a reminder of the need to prevent substance abuse among the youth. To do so, law enforcement agencies must cut the supply of illicit substances by taking exemplary action against traffickers.

It is an established fact that the porous borders of the north-eastern states with neighbouring Myanmar facilitate the trafficking of illicit items into the region. The police have stated time and again that the state, particularly Dimapur, has become a transit point for supplying drugs to other parts of the country. While the police have stepped up vigilance to tackle this issue, as evidenced by the spike in arrests of drug peddlers, the crux of the matter is that the kingpins continue to remain at large. This contributes to the easy availability of drugs in the state, and this loophole must be addressed.

Meanwhile, the central government has been creating awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, particularly students, through its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign) since its launch in 2020. This campaign should reach every nook and corner of the country, not just towns and cities. The government also cannot ignore aspects such as the treatment and rehabilitation of users, as well as education. The social stigma and discrimination associated with drug users is another issue that must be addressed. Sufficient de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, along with a strong social support system, are vital for combating the drug menace.