By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sept 28: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Saturday accentuated the need for collective efforts from various stakeholders, particularly the Dorbar Shnongs, in tackling the drug menace in Meghalaya.
Speaking during a meeting, which was organised to confer about the growing drug problem, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem highlighted the critical role of Rangbah Shnongs (local leaders) in curbing drug peddling within their communities.
Synrem noted that Dorbar Shnongs can effectively monitor and control the drug issue in their localities and villages, with assistance from the Village Defence Party (VDP) to track the entry of outsiders.
He then called on the state government to implement legislation to monitor individuals coming from outside the state, particularly from Manipur, before they settle in Shillong, as a preventive measure against drug trafficking.
“We would also demand the government to implement the DEED (Drugs, Elimination, Enforcement, and Dream Mission) initiative to combat the drug problem in the state,” Synrem added.
Meanwhile, KHNAM working president, Thomas Passah, suggested the state government to establish more rehabilitation centres offering free treatment for drug-addicted youths.
Proposing the creation of skill-training centres to help rehabilitated youths reintegrate into society, Passah appealed to the government to negotiate with private rehabilitation centres to lower treatment costs, making it more accessible for impoverished families.
On the other hand, state BJP spokesperson, M. Kharkrang, said that the fight against drugs should begin at the household level through awareness programmes.
He urged parents to be vigilant and recognise signs of drug addiction in their children.
Others who were part of the meeting included UDP general secretary Jemino Mawtoh, Rangbah Shnongs from various localities in Shillong, youth organisations and other stakeholders.
It is pertinent to note that the HYC, which has been actively fighting the issue of drugs in Meghalaya since May this year, has been successful in facilitating the rehabilitation of around 120 youths at a centre in Assam.