By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 17: The North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF), Meghalaya Chapter, has called on the state government to take urgent and strict measures to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
In a memorandum submitted to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday, NEIPF chairman Wellbirth Rani said drug abuse in Meghalaya has reached “crisis levels” and requires immediate government action.
He warned that the rise in drug-related crimes, including thefts and robberies in broad daylight, was putting citizens at risk and damaging the state’s image. “It is unacceptable that Meghalaya is being seen as a den of drug traffickers and addicts,” he stated.
Rani stressed that while the situation is serious, the state must not resort to measures like extrajudicial killings seen in the Philippines during its war on drugs. “Every citizen’s life is precious. Our youth are the future of the state and must be guided and supported, not eliminated,” he said.
The NEIPF memorandum recommended bolstering the intelligence network to track inter-state traffickers, dismantling supply chains and arresting drug lords and their associates. It also suggested the creation of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Battalion under Meghalaya Police to focus exclusively on tackling the drug crisis, instead of sharing responsibilities with law and order duties.
The Forum further proposed empowering village Dorbar Shnongs to form vigilance committees to monitor localities, report drug-related activities, and deter addicts from committing crimes.
On rehabilitation, Rani said the state must enhance treatment facilities, expand the number of centres and recruit more counsellors, psychiatrists and trained community workers. He also suggested government collaboration with private organisations for rehabilitation and the introduction of vocational training to help recovering addicts reintegrate into society.
“Attempts to lure young boys and girls into drugs and the rise in crimes linked to addiction are frightening. We cannot allow Meghalaya to lose its peace and security to organised criminals,” Rani cautioned.
He maintained that with concerted government and community efforts, the state can build a safer and drug-free future.
