By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 7: The Special Monitor of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday reviewed the drugs scenario in Meghalaya with Home Minister Prestone Tynsong and top state government officials.
It was agreed during the review meeting that Meghalaya faces a major threat from the drug supply chains operating from Myanmar.
Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh told journalists after the meeting that the state government has sought the NHRC’s intervention for the creation of a sub-zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau in Shillong.
The NHRC Special Monitor was also apprised about the pending proposal for the procurement of vehicle scanners to be placed in two locations of the Ri-Bhoi district.
“The proposal has reached the ministry concerned, but there is undue delay in the sanctioning of the two vehicle scanners,” Lyngdoh said.
Discussions were also held on the PITNDPS. The Meghalaya government wants the preventive detention period to be extended to three years.
As of now, Meghalaya has four people detained under the PITNDPS. Twelve others may be detained soon.
“We also need a fast-track court and the creation of more posts of counsellors, as there is a dearth of trained professionals,” he said.
The Special Monitor, while lauding Meghalaya for initiating programmes like DREAM to crack down on illicit drugs in the state, assured all support to the state in its fight to combat drugs.
