East Jaintia Hills marks International Day against Drug Abuse with awareness programme

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 26, 2023

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today in East Jaintia Hills District with the theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”

The program, organized by the District Social Welfare Officer at Umkiang Community Hall. Present at the event was District Social Welfare Officer, Ripaia Passah, S Buam, Sub-Inspector in charge of Umkiang Police Patrol Post, L Syiem, Sub-Inspector at Ratacherra Check Post, and R Patlong, Programme Manager of Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA).

R Passah addressing spoke about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan a nationwide campaign launched in 2020  to combat the menace of drug addiction in the country. She emphasized on the importance of a collective efforts from all sections of society, to work together with the Social Welfare Department, Police Department and other line departments in tackling the drug menace in the district.

S Buam, Sub-Inspector In charge of Umkiang Police Patrol Post, gave a brief insight into the distinction between legal drugs, prescribed by doctors for medical purposes, and illegal drugs such as Heroin, Opium, Ganja, and Cocaine etc. He highlighted the provisions and penalties outlined in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act 1985. Shri. S. Buam urged the public to report any instances of drug abuse, drug related crime to the police immediately through the emergency helpline numbers 100 / 112.

Rinibeth Patlong, Programme Manager of MCSWA, shed light on the theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” and stressed on the significance of providing support and assistance to individuals struggling with addiction and seeking treatment. She also emphasized on the need for more awareness programs to educate the people about the detrimental effects of drugs on individuals and society. Patlong urged the youth to say no to drugs and avoid alcohol, smoking, and other tobacco products, as they are the gateway that can lead to illicit drug use.

During the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of the drawing and poetry competition which was organized as part of the observation. Additionally, a short video clip titled “Behind Closed Door,” focusing on drug abuse, was also screened. To further raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, a rally was conducted after the programme.