Shillong, June 26: Meghalaya joined hands with the rest of the world to observe International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking today, the 26th June, 2019.
In the State capital, Shillong, the day-long observation was held at Don Bosco Youth Centre, wherein the Additional Chief Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Shri. H Marwein was the Chief Guest. The observation was organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society in partnership with Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya, Manbha Foundation and other related Stakeholders.
The theme for this year’s observation is ‘Health for Justice, Justice for Health’– underlining the importance of a holistic approach involving health, human rights, criminal justice and social service institutions.
In his speech as the Chief Guest, Shri. H Marwein said that drug abuse or drug addiction is a psychiatric, social and psychological problem that not only affect the youth but to the society as a whole. Drugs ruin the individuals and the society manifold- socially, physically, culturally, emotionally and economically, he said.
Expressing concern on the increasing number of drug users among the children and youth, Shri. Marwein said that children can easily succumb to the pressures of their peers and friends to turn to these intoxicants for comfort. On this day, he called upon various organisations to eradicate this menace and emphasize on peacefully addressing the challenges of illegal drugs so that the youth of the State are protected.
Shri. Marwein stressed on the need to hold such awareness programmes in schools and colleges so that children and youth can be aware of the harmful effects of substance abuse. Only when youth have the strength to say no to drugs, the purpose of this observation is achieved, he said.
On this day, Inspector K Shabong, Anti Narcotic Task Force, SP Office, Shillong gave a detailed presentation on the facts and figures of drug users and seizures of drugs in the State. Shri. Arbor Thangkhiew, VHAM Prison Intervention Field Mentor gave a presentation on the ill effects of drugs.
Earlier, Shri S A Rynjah, Superintendent of Police (City), East Khasi Hills flagged off the rally of school and college students from State Central Library premises to Don Bosco Centre.
Similar programme was also organised by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District in collaboration with Ka Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong, Mawkynrew Area at Jongksha village under East Khasi Hills District. The awareness programme was attended by the Sordar, Secretary and people from the villages of Mawkynrew area.
In her speech as the Chief Guest, Smti P. Suchiang, District Social Welfare Officer while highlighting the perils of drug abuse, stressed on the importance to educate young children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and the need to provide them the emotional support so that they do not develop the need to turn to substance use for comfort.
She also appealed to parents, teachers and all sections of society to prioritise support, education and protection of youth against substance abuse, and to work together to safeguard their physical and mental health.
The speakers for the day included Shri Seiborbah Warbah, Secretary, Ka Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Mawkynrew Area, representative from Police Department, Counselor, KRIPA Foundation, among others.
