By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 21: MLAs cutting across party lines on Thursday expressed deep concern in the Assembly over the menace of drug and substance abuse in the state and urged the state government to take some concrete measures against it.
Participating in a motion moved by VPP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit, UDP’s Mowkaiaw MLA, Nujorki Sungoh said the steps taken by the government to combat the menace are not enough and much more needs to be done.
Citing media reports of past few months, Sungoh said drugs seized by the police came mostly from the Jaintia Hills area, especially East Jaintia Hills which acts as a doorway for drug smugglers.
He said if the entry of drugs into Meghalaya through East Jaintia Hills can be choked, up to 60-70 per cent of the problem could be solved. “I urge Deputy Chief Minister (Prestone Tynsong) to look into the matter,” he said.
The members also expressed concerns over the ramifications of drug menace, low conviction rate and possible hand of a foreign entity to destabilise the state and the country.
Citing the arrests of drug dealers in his locality and in other parts of Shillong, VPP leader and North Shillong MLA, Adelbert Nongrum said the problem is not restricted to users but there are local drug traffickers whose number is also growing. He said it is imperative that traditional institutions like the Durbar Shnongs take note and curb the menace.
He said news about seizures of drugs in huge quantities, especially in East Jaintia Hills district, goes to prove the flow of the contraband into the state. He asked why the seized drugs are not destroyed in full view and knowledge of the public.
Nongrum stressed that the legislators should put up a united fight instead of directing the concern only at a particular officer of Health department, Social Welfare department or Home department.
“We cannot run from the reality of the situation. Drugs have invaded our state, our capital city and reached our localities. Let us stop this cult before it reaches our homes, our families, loved ones. Let us jointly put up a fight,” he added.
NPP’s Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh said it is high time that the government becomes serious about stamping out the menace.
Talking about a certain locality, he said school-going children aged 14-15 years there take drug and also sell it. He said it is important that the kingpin of the racket is arrested.
He said although drug peddlers and users are arrested by the police from time to time, yet they manage to get bail after two-three months and get back to business. He said the government may consider having a special force.
UDP’s Sohiong legislator, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah said it is a very strong subject and the youth want the government to strongly fight the war against drugs.
Pointing out the growing instances of robbery in his constituency, he said the biggest fear is that the territory of drugs is spreading fast. He said the fight is not confined to urban areas alone. He urged the government to fight the menace in both urban and rural areas.
Participating in the discussion, UDP’s Shella legislator Balajied Kupar Synrem stressed on sensitising people at all levels. He said it becomes an issue when the Durbar heads apprehend an accused as they do not know who to go to for the legal process and the accused gets bail and justice does not prevail.