By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 9: The state Congress has launched a state-wide anti-drug campaign, targeting around 100 locations across Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
As part of the initiative, the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) on Tuesday hosted a food festival at the State Central Library premises to raise funds for the campaign.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H Pala said the party’s primary focus is on educating the public and raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
“The food fest is just the beginning. From October, we plan to take the campaign forward in a big way,” Pala said, adding that schoolchildren will be involved in skits and other programmes highlighting the dangers of drugs.
Emphasising that the drug menace affects the entire community, Pala said the Congress aims to work with various organisations to make the campaign impactful. “We are not here to play politics. We want to create a society of hope and prosperity where drugs are not a hurdle,” he asserted.
While clarifying that the party does not have the resources to directly support rehabilitation for drug users, Pala said it will focus on awareness programmes. He added that the MPMC is already collaborating with foundations engaged in anti-drug initiatives.
Pala further stated that although the initial focus will be on Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the campaign will eventually be extended to Garo Hills. On the government’s DREAM Mission, he said the Congress has launched its own initiative but has no objection to working with the government to combat the drug problem.