VPP MLA questions govt effort to curb drug menace

NONGPOH, July 7: Taking a jab at the state government, VVP MLA from Mawlai, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, raised questions about the government’s role in curbing the menace of substance abuse as he lauded the achievement of one person contributing to the same cause.
He was participating in the closing ceremony of the Wisdom Week at Wisdom Centre in Umdihar, an institution dedicated to rehabilitating youth addicted to substances, especially drugs, on Saturday.
At the programme, Marbaniang lauded Pastor David Jamir, the founder of the Wisdom Centre, for his dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating addicted youth despite being a private individual.
As a public representative, Brightstarwell expressed concern about the state’s growing drug addiction problem and other related social issues. According to recent information, approximately 2.5 lakh youth in the state are addicted to drugs, with the majority hailing from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, while the number is relatively lower in the Garo Hills.
Questioning government’s role, the Mawlai MLA emphasised that the government should not solely rely on private initiatives but should establish more rehabilitation centres across the state.
Given the scale of the drug problem, with over 2.5 lakh young people affected, he urged the government to take comprehensive and immediate action.
He added that the government must actively engage in creating and maintaining rehabilitation and counselling centres to transform the lives of addicted youth and ensure a healthier society free from the grip of drugs.
He appreciated the unique approach of Wisdom Centre, which places a strong emphasis on faith in God. Brightstarwell hoped that the centre would become a blessing for many young people seeking to break free from the shackles of addiction.
He also suggested that those who successfully rehabilitate might become messengers of hope and change within their communities.