SHILLONG, May 26: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Sunday said it does not want to collaborate with the police in the fight against drugs to avoid unnecessary hassles.
“We dispose of whatever drugs we seize. We know that calling the police involves a long procedure which needs to be followed. Once we are made a witness, it is some kind of torture as we have to appear before the court numerous times,” HYC vice president Donboklang Kharlyngdoh said.
He said a particular Rangbah Shnong from Mawlai told him it is a “harassment” for his locality to assist the authorities in combating the problem of drugs.
He said according to this Rangbah Shnong, a person carrying drugs and nabbed by them will manage to get bail within 24 hours but they will be required to continuously appear before the court.
“This Rangbah Shnong expressed frustration that the same person returns to drugs business after securing bail. If this is the situation, none of the localities will come forward to assist the authorities in combating the drugs menace,” the HYC vice president said.
He slammed East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Rituraj Ravi for questioning the HYC’s efforts. He said a concerted effort is needed to weed out the problem of drugs.
“We are surprised by the SP’s remarks. We took up this responsibility as we are concerned to see the youth falling prey to drugs,” Kharlyngdoh said.
He said the police can instead look for those in the force addicted to drugs.
Kharlyngdoh said a youth the HYC rehabilitated at a rehab in Assam had disclosed that he got to drugs after being influenced by a policeman. This is one such case but there are many policemen who are into drugs, he claimed.
Recently, the police had stated that the handling of issues related to drugs and addicts is complex and should be left to trained professionals.
“We welcome support from people at large. Non-government agencies, anybody and everybody is welcome. However, we do not encourage any individuals or groups to take law into their own hands. Matters which are complex and require trained personnel should be handled by them only,” Ravi had stated.
He made the statement in the wake of some pressure groups conducting raids and nabbing drug addicts in Shillong.
“We do not encourage people, who are not trained with the issue of drugs, to venture into it,” the SP had said, adding that the police are studying the matter and they will take actions as and when required.
“If there is any concern that involves a law enforcement agency, the same should be communicated to us,” he had said.
According to him, drug consumption, peddling and addiction are complex and multifaceted issues which involve the participation and close coordination of different agencies, including law enforcement agencies.
“We are primarily focused on ensuring that there is no drug peddling, procurement and sale of drugs. We are coordinating our effort with other agencies of the government to ensure that people do not fall into the trap of drug addiction,” Ravi had said.
