MAWKYRWAT, June 2: In a determined effort to combat drug abuse and other societal ills, a coalition of pressure groups and village authorities in Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills, have formed the Joint Action Committee on Social Organisation (JACSO). This collaborative initiative, comprising groups such as the KSU, HYC, FKJGP, HITO, and HANM, along with local bodies like the Village Defence Party (VDP), Seng Samla Shnong Mawkyrwat, and Seng Longkmie Mawkyrwat, aims to address the growing drug menace.
The formation of JACSO followed a surprise operation targeting illegal drug peddlers and liquor sellers in Mawkyrwat, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of alcohol from the Mawkyrwat Market. Despite drug peddlers managing to evade capture, the confiscated liquor was publicly destroyed in front of media personnel.
Skhembor W Nongrum, vice president of the Seng Samla Shnong Mawkyrwat, highlighted the persistent struggle against drugs, stating, “Despite our continuous efforts, the number of drug addicts and peddlers keeps increasing. This issue has deeply affected the Mawkyrwat community, prompting us to form JACSO to eradicate drugs and other societal evils.”
Nongrum emphasised that JACSO’s mission extends beyond drugs to combat illegal liquor selling, gambling, environmental pollution, mass killing of fish, and forest fires. He called for community support to tackle these issues collectively.
Other speakers, including JACSO chairman JF Iawphniaw, secretary Plosbor Kharjahrin, and HITO SWKHD president Paul Thyrniang, echoed Nongrum’s sentiments and stressed the importance of united action.
Public meeting
In a related development, Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar convened a public meeting on Saturday at the Community Hall, Mawkyrwat, to address the drug threat. The meeting, attended by various stakeholders including Mawkyrwat MDC Carnes Sohshang, Chief of Hima Maharam Niandro Syiemiong, and leaders from youth, women, and political organisations, decided to urge the state government to establish a rehabilitation centre and a detox centre at Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital.
Tongkhar emphasised the need for a collaborative approach involving village authorities, NGOs, and community organisations to identify and take stern action against drug addicts and peddlers. He also promised logistical support to volunteers through the MLA scheme, providing them with essential equipment for patrolling.
