DIMAPUR — The International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) was observed across Nagaland on Monday 26 on the theme ‘People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.’
Wokha: The day was observed at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall with DC, Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan, as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, the DC said in recent time Wokha district has been witnessing an alarming increase in drug-abuse cases and stressed on collective effort from all sections of society to fight against drug menace in order to save the younger generation. "With unity, people can put an end to this serious threat and cooperate in the fight against drug abuse in our society. Creating awareness about the ill effect of drugs is the need of the hour, and all departments, churches, and stakeholders to come together in spreading the message about this drug menace to make our society and community free of drugs,” Ranjan said. Dr. Aben Murry, medical officer, Chukitong, spoke on the theme while short speeches were also delivered by District Welfare Officer, James Ezung; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Zuben Kikon; representative from SP office and others.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Tuensang: Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, the speaker of the event held at CKS Hall Tuensang town, stated that addiction is a sickness and that everybody needs to come together and fight the menace as generation can be ended due to uncontrolled use of drugs among youths. As human beings, all are equally responsible for raising social awareness and responsibility to stop drug use among youths in society, Rutsa said and appealed to society and churches to stop discrimination and social stigma against the addicts, but instead support them to come out from addiction through rehabilitation. Earlier, the welcome note was delivered by Moa Longkumer DWO Tuensang, a DIPR report stated.
Mon: International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed at OST Chapel Hall, with support from Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS). The programme was jointly organised by Shansham Organisation Mon TI, Nagaland Users’ Network, Mon Users’ Network, DAPCU, department of Social Welfare, and OST Centre, District Hospital, Mon.
State Excise Department: The Excise department also carried out awareness campaigns for the citizens and students of the state to mark the day. According to an update, the department conducted poster campaigns in all the district headquarters of the state with the message for abstinence, the ill effects of drug abuse and the various penalties under the NDPS Act 1985. All the Excise enforcement personnel also reiterated their commitment with a pledge to work towards supply reduction and ‘strengthen prevention’ effectively. “Seeing the need for awareness among the youths, the department reached out to the students in various schools in Dimapur and made a presentation of the drugs abuse scenario and penalties,” it stated.