Shillong, June 26: Drug abuse and illicit trafficking has been a universal problems concerning one and all. With an aimed to spread awareness on the major problems, International day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on Wednesday
Joining the rest of the world, Shillong city observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by organising various programme across the city to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
To mark the day, the Social Welfare department in collaboration with the regional resource training centre, Kohima in Nagaland and partnering NGOs organised a consultation meet to discuss on the issue and come out with plausible recommendations and strategies to curb drug and substance abuse in the state and the neighbouring states.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, social welfare minister Deborah C Marak said that substance abuse is a serious concern to all, the most of which is drawn to the fact that small children especially street children are the vulnerable group which are exposed to such kinds of menace.
Pointing out that there is an increase of drug addiction amongst children and women, Marak said that there is a need for sensitization in these areas. “The condition becomes worse with the inclusion of children about 6-7 years of age in the list according to the 2008-09 statistics,” she added.
The minister also pointed out that there is a need to do away with the menace that is affecting the society. Terming drug abuse as a disease, the social welfare minister has called upon the top officials of the department and the line department, partner NGOs to sensitize the school students and teaches about its ill effects by conducting training and awareness programmes.
Meanwhile, Director of the Regional Resource Training Centre (RRTC), Kohima Dr P Ngully said spoke at length about the different types of drugs, its effects on an individual, the family and the society and the various modes of treatment.
He also presented the north east scenario with regard to cases of drug and substance abuse stating that drugs like heroin has already make road to states like Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam. “There is an inflow of drugs from Myanmar to the North Eastern states through Guwahati,” he said.
He however, mentioned that drug abuse is a problem which could tackled and curb with the united efforts of all the stakeholders to ensure that stigmatization is taken care of and better treatment is given to an addict. (SP News)
