Nagaland CS for public movement to eradicate drug abuse

Soon an app to report sale and consumption of drugs, DGP Sharma

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 27

The time for planning has passed, and we are now in a time that calls for action individually as well as collectively, and take eradication of drug abuse as a public movement, Nagaland State Chief Secretary, J Alam asserted on Monday. 

The high prevalence of drug abuse in the State is ‘very serious,’ he noted, addressing the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held under the theme ‘People First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

Despite dealing with this problem for many years, instead of reduction, the problem of drug menace seems to be increasing, he observed. 

Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam 

To this end, Alam called for introspection of the government agencies and NGOs on its approach, methods and strategies to curb drug abuse.

“Are the efforts that we are making sufficient? Is something more required to be done? Is there a problem in our coordination? Is there is a problem in the sensitisation and awareness campaign that we are having? Are we able to take everybody on board in this fight against drug abuse?” 

These questions need answers towards eliminating the menace, he asserted. 

The Chief Secretary also expressed grave concern on the high prevalence of narcotics and psychotropic substances in the State, adding that though Nagaland is not a producer of drugs but a transit point, it is a major consumption centre.

Although the law enforcing agencies have been making seizures of drugs and alcohol, he wondered whether such actions are making ‘serious impact.’

What fractions of the total drug trade are we able to catch? Alam posed. 

He also mentioned ongoing discussions with other agencies to address the issue effectively, emphasising the importance of consistent awareness programme to sensitise the public.

Highlighting the persisting stigma and discrimination faced by drug users in Nagaland, which hinders their access to necessary support, Alam underscored the need for collective responsibility to raise awareness and take preventive measures.

Asserting that the time for planning is over and now is the time for action, both individually and collectively, he added: “We need to take eradication of drug abuse as a public movement where each individual and authority plays its part with the fullest commitment.”

Churches must go beyond pulpit ministry
Echoing similar sentiment, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said that an action plan is needed to combat the ‘drug culture’ in the society and called upon the churches to go beyond pulpit ministry.

 “Our church should not just be focus on pulpit ministry, but we must take the Church to the homes, streets and our workplaces,” he stated, further underlining  on the need to strengthen government machineries by providing support and reaching out to them. 

Although good ideas evolve during the gatherings and consultations, he noted that the biggest challenge is pushing the implementation part beyond these platforms.

 “We have depended on the outside world too much. We lament on the lack of fund and have failed to take care of things that we ourselves are capable of doing,” stated Rev Dr Keyho.

He suggested on strengthening family with parenting skills, village institutions to check the social evils in the locality and proper monitoring in the schools and create a pleasant environment for imparting and learning.

“Drugs have taken generations away from us, the best of minds and the brightest have become prisoners of drug in the society,” he regretted and called a firm action to make the society, community and the state a drug-free.

Do not to simply observe the day, but to actively participate in building a better society and combating the forces that are robbing us of our best potential, Keyho added. .

Treating substance use as a ‘Public Health’
As substance users continue to be criminalised, stigmatise and marginalised by the society, Abou Mere, President, NNagaDAO & Director, Kripa Foundation asserted that substance use disorders ought to be treated as a ‘Public Health’ concern rather than a criminal law issue.

Ironically, despite witnessing the high prevalence of substance abuse, the Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy 2006, which received the Cabinet’s approval on June 26, 2016, is yet to see the light of the day.

Accordingly, Mere appealed the State Government to ‘increase focus on this Policy having full compliance with the human standards and norms, provide budgetary for implementation adding that ‘dignity, respect and access to health are non-negotiable basic rights.’

He stressed the importance of offering treatment options and support for individuals who aspire to live a sober life, including opportunities for mainstream integration, social reintegration, and respect for their rights as individuals.

It is imperative to provide secure livelihood options and establishing robust information and support systems to prevent relapse into substance use, he added. 

No vigilantism
Likwise, Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma said that due to the absence of an official figure and data, many are not aware of the magnitude of the problem.

 ‘The safety, well being and health of the state are at stake,’ he stated, urging for a collective efforts on a mission mode to tackle the serious problem of substance abuse in Nagaland. 

Nagaland Police is open to all forms of help and support from all walks of life towards curbing this problem, he added.
However, DGP Sharma cautioned against vigilantism and ‘taking law into their own hands.’

He further informed that Nagaland Police will be launching an app very soon where people can report or give information on the sale and consumption of drugs.

Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse also spoke during the programme. The programme concluded with taking of pledge under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.