1,170 active Injecting Drug Users in the state
SHILLONG/NONGPOH/TURA/NONGSTOIN/JOWAI: Along with the rest of the world, the state, on Wednesday, also observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with complete zeal and active participation.
As per data available with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), it was found out that thre is a total of 1,170 active Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) population in the state.
In the city, a programme was held to observe the day on the theme ‘Health for justice, justice for health’ at Don Bosco Youth Centre on Wednesday.
Raising a concern that drug abuse is picking up in the state and becoming a major problem, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Hector Marwein likened the drug problem to the Hydra monster that re-grows another head if its head is chopped off as the presence of too many drug peddlers and smugglers create a problem.
Stating that street and school children are vulnerable to drug abuse which has become a family problem, he said, “It is better to prevent than to treat.”
Under the aegis of the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, all the police stations, outposts and beat houses of East Khasi Hills observed the day with the support of schools, social organisations and general public.
School-going children and general public were made aware of the social, economic, medical and cultural costs of substance abuse with slogan of the day ‘Say No to Drugs.’
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF), Frontier Headquarter Meghalaya celebrated the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the city on the same theme.
The BSF organised a rally comprising of more than 600 personnel in uniform, including students of BSF Senior Secondary School as well as Primary School, Umpling, in areas of Nongmynsong, Polo and Golf Link as part of its initiative to spread awarenes against drug abuse.
Deputy Inspector General/PRO, BSF Meghalaya UK Nayal appealed to the local populace to fight against drug abuse and emphasised on the hazards of drug addiction and illicit trafficking.
He also appealed to guide drug addicts rather than secluding them from the society.
Debate competition, slogan writing and skits on drug abuse were also held as part of the observance.
Meanwhile, in Nongpoh, the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, District Mental Health in collaboration with Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram RKSK (National Adolescent Health Programme) organised a month-long campaign against tobacco use, depression and effects of drug misuse among youths. Different programmes such as IEC awareness, short films on mental health issues, community-level awareness, street play, quiz competition etc., were organised. The campaign commenced on June 18.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Ri Bhoi, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Ri Bhoi, also organised similar programmes at Umsning.
In Nongstoin, the day was observed by the District Medical and Health Officer West Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the district administration.
Various activities were taken up to combat the menace of drugs during the observance.
In his speech, Deputy Commissioner T Lyngwa expressed his concern for the rise of drug users in the district which has affected the youths in particular.
The office of the District Child Protection Officer in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, West Khasi Hills, also observed the day.
In Jowai, the day was observed by the District Mental Health Programme, West Jaintia Hills (WJH), in collaboration with Civil Hospital, Ialong, at District Library Auditorium, Jowai.
Speaking on the occasion, WJH Deputy Commisioner Garod Dykes said drug users are on the rise.
Meanwhile in Garo Hills, the fight against drug abuse was also witnessed with the same fervour.
In Tura, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on Wednesday at Montfort Centre for Education, Danakgre, in the outskirts of the town.
The observance was organised on the theme ‘Protecting the Youth and Promoting Welfare of Each One’.
Meanwhile in the East Garo Hills, the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with Chibasal Women’s Self Help Group also observed the day at Williamnagar Government College.
Meanwhile, in North Garo Hills, the occasion was observed at the Multi Facility Centre in Bajengdoba, Resubelpara, where the Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills SC Sadhu urged civil society and educational communities to formulate a strong mechanism in checking the use of drugs and its illegal trade.
Run-up events like quiz and poster competitions for students were also held during the celebrations.