Editor,
There is often a misunderstanding in society regarding Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), especially for individuals who remain on treatment for many years. Many people wrongly assume that long-term use of medicines such as buprenorphine means a person is “still addicted.” However, modern medical science and global public health evidence clearly show otherwise.
Opioid dependence is now internationally recognised as a chronic medical condition, much like hypertension, diabetes, or HIV. Just as a person with high blood pressure may need lifelong medication, or a person living with HIV requires daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), some individuals with opioid dependence may also require long-term maintenance treatment to remain healthy, functional, and free from harmful illicit drug use.
Buprenorphine, one of the medicines used in OST, has been extensively studied across the world for decades and is considered both safe and effective when taken under medical supervision. A landmark study published in JAMA Psychiatry found no serious adverse health effects associated with long-term buprenorphine maintenance treatment. (JAMA Network) A major Cochrane Review involving 31 clinical trials and over 5,000 participants concluded that buprenorphine is highly effective in retaining people in treatment and reducing illicit opioid use. (Cochrane)
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognises opioid agonist maintenance treatment as an essential health service and states that uninterrupted access to such treatment is crucial for people with opioid dependence. (World Health Organization)
Importantly, OST is not simply about stopping drug use; it is about restoring lives. Individuals on treatment are often able to work, support families, avoid crime, reduce HIV and hepatitis transmission risks, and reintegrate into society with dignity. Studies across many countries have shown that OST significantly reduces overdose deaths and improves overall quality of life.
There is also no fixed global or national rule that a person must stop OST after a certain number of years. Under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in India, treatment duration is decided on an individual basis between the patient and the treating medical team. While tapering and eventually stopping medication may be possible and desirable for some individuals, others may benefit from continuing maintenance therapy for many years, or even lifelong, depending on their clinical condition and risk of relapse.
The goal of treatment should not merely be “drug-free status” at any cost, but stability, recovery, health, and survival. For many people, OST is not replacing one addiction with another; it is replacing chaos with care, risk with recovery, and hopelessness with a chance to live normally again.
As a society, we must move away from stigma and towards compassion and evidence-based understanding. Addiction is a medical condition, and those undergoing treatment deserve support, not judgment.
Yours etc.,
A. Thangkhiew,
Shillong
Correction:
In the article, “Misrepresentation of Facts and Resolutions an Unpardonable Sin,” by Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh (ST May 29, 2026) there was a minor typo error at para 8, line 5 under the sub-heading – Trivialisation where a conjunction “and” was inadvertently added to the sentence, “marriage and engagements.” It should have read “marriage engagements.” The line pertains to the resolution on “Ka jingpyniateh ktien..” which was loosely translated in the original text as “marriage engagements. Adding the conjunction “and” could entirely change the meaning of the sentence or resolution, potentially leading to reader misunderstanding.
The text should read as follows.
“Furthermore, the KJP Synod Sepngi reaffirmed a resolution of the Presbyterian Synod from 1984, which states that marriage engagements are not church matters. Despite this, its pastors continue to conduct and preside over betrothal ceremonies, which appears to contradict the provisions of the Bond. Given these circumstances, should these pastors be suspended? Or has the KJP Synod Sepngi overlooked or failed to consider its past resolutions that conflict with the Bond?”
The error is regretted.
Also, regarding the article, “The Gospel of Money and Lust” (ST May 29, 2026) ostensibly written by one Eldora Lyngdoh, who claims to be a resident of Jaiaw Umpohliew, a person with the same name and surname residing in Mawkhar clarifies that she did not write the article in question.
– Editor
Need for Recruitment Opportunities for Forensic Science Graduates in Meghalaya
Editor,
The importance of forensic science in modern criminal investigation has increased significantly over the years. Scientific evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, toxicological findings, cyber evidence, bloodstain analysis, and digital forensics now play a major role in supporting accurate and evidence-based investigation across India. Meghalaya has already taken progressive steps toward strengthening scientific policing through the development of Mobile Forensic Crime Scene Units and forensic support systems under the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory. These initiatives are highly encouraging and reflect the growing importance of scientific investigation within the state.
However, as forensic infrastructure continues to expand, there is also a need to create greater recruitment opportunities for trained forensic science graduates, especially students who have completed Bachelor’s degrees in Forensic Science and possess practical knowledge in crime scene management and evidence handling.
Today, many students from Meghalaya and the Northeast pursue forensic science with the hope of contributing toward scientific investigation and law enforcement. During their academic training, students are introduced to crime scene investigation, evidence preservation, fingerprint examination, forensic photography, questioned documents, toxicology, cyber forensics, and laboratory procedures. Despite these skills and technical exposure, many graduates face difficulty finding opportunities due to limited entry-level forensic posts.
Recent recruitments under the Mobile Forensic Crime Scene Unit have mostly focused on postgraduate qualifications. While higher expertise is important for specialized scientific roles, there is also scope for introducing more field-level and assistant-level positions for qualified B.Sc forensic science graduates who can support investigation teams during crime scene examination and evidence collection.
Scientific handling of evidence is extremely important because even minor errors at a crime scene can affect the outcome of investigations and judicial proceedings. Trained forensic graduates can assist in preserving crime scenes, documenting evidence, maintaining chain of custody, forensic photography, evidence packaging, and supporting scientific officers during field operations. Creating more entry-level forensic posts could not only strengthen district-level scientific investigation but also provide meaningful employment opportunities for educated youth within the state. Such opportunities would encourage more students to pursue skill-based scientific education while contributing positively toward the criminal justice system.
With the rise of cybercrime, narcotics-related offences, digital evidence, and technologically advanced criminal activities, the need for trained forensic personnel is becoming more important than ever. Expanding recruitment opportunities for forensic science graduates can help Meghalaya continue progressing toward a stronger and more scientific policing system.
Recent initiatives taken by the state government toward forensic crime scene investigation are commendable. Continued focus on training, infrastructure development, and inclusive recruitment for forensic graduates can further strengthen the future of evidence-based policing in Meghalaya. This article is written from the perspective of a forensic science student who believes that educated youth trained in scientific investigation can contribute meaningfully toward strengthening evidence-based policing and forensic support systems within the state.
Yours etc.,
Naphisabet Diengdoh (Final Year B.Sc Forensic Science Student)
Via email
