The Kohima District Administration and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Committee launched a district-wide anti-drug awareness campaign on Monday, reaching hundreds of students across three government schools — GHS Chandmari, GMS Merhülietsa, and GHSS Jotsoma.
The initiative, titled “Pledge Against Drug Abuse & Awareness Programme on Substance Abuse Primary Prevention”, aimed to arm young people with knowledge, resolve, and responsibility amid a disturbing rise in substance misuse among Naga youth.
At GHSS Jotsoma, Dr R Rose from Youth Mission, a leading addiction treatment and recovery center, delivered a sobering message to students: “Addiction doesn’t care about age or education… even 16-year-olds are falling into the trap.”
Speaking with candor and conviction, Dr Rose described how drugs like Yaba, Spasmo Proxyvon, crystal meth, cough syrups, and heroin-based substances like “Sunflower” are being misused by teenagers under the guise of being ‘harmless’ or ‘natural.’ He revealed harrowing examples of young clients spending over Rs 2,000 a day on drugs, some consuming 10 bottles of cough syrup daily, losing control over their lives and families.
“They end up stealing, manipulating, and emotionally hurting their loved ones. The worst part is when they forget their own children, their homes, their dignity. Drugs take everything from them,” he said.
Calling students the most “vulnerable group but also our greatest hope,” Dr Rose urged them to choose discipline over peer pressure. He ended with a heartfelt message drawn from his own life:
“At 76, I still walk without help, I work in the fields, I speak to young people like you. That’s the reward of a disciplined life. In my home, our motto is written on the wall: ‘By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour, and life.’”
The program included a signature campaign, special performances by students, and invocation by Neivakrano Zashumo. Rorheu Pesieye, SDO (Civil), administered the NMBA pledge while SI Thungchamo Mozhui of South Police Station led the Youth Anti-Drug Pledge.
Chairperson Walo appealed, “Rise above misinformation, peer pressure, and silence. Say no to drugs — for your families, your future, and your community.”