In a significant move to tackle the rising challenge of substance abuse in Wokha district, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton inaugurated the District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) at Chukitong Town on June 21, Saturday. The centre, currently housing 10 patients undergoing rehabilitation, aims to provide long-term recovery and support services to individuals struggling with addiction.
The DDAC is the result of a joint initiative involving the Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (GoI), the Department of Social Welfare (Nagaland), and the Wokha District Administration.
Addressing the gathering, Patton called for a united, community-wide response to the growing menace of drug and alcohol abuse. Citing Bhandari as a known transit point for narcotics due to its border location, he warned that unchecked trafficking routes were worsening the situation in the district.
Referring to a recent national report, Patton expressed concern over Nagaland’s standing as one of the top states for HIV prevalence — ranking second only to Mizoram — and underlined the urgency of integrated action.
“Rather than establishing multiple centres, let this one be effective enough to bring about visible change in reducing drug dependency,” he said.
The Deputy CM also lauded Chukitong’s legacy as an educational centre of the Lotha community and called on it to lead by example in this new chapter of social healing. He voiced concern over declining interest in agriculture among the youth and encouraged a shift toward local entrepreneurship and farming as sustainable paths for self-reliance and growth.
Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, speaking at the event, appealed to all sections of society to support the new centre and work collectively to rebuild families torn apart by addiction.
MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe also stressed the urgency of shielding Wokha’s youth from drug dependency and said the district’s educated and civil society must take active roles in prevention and care.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, IAS, emphasized the need for community ownership and long-term cooperation. “This is not just a government facility. Its success depends on every household, every church, and every youth organization in Wokha,” he said.
Several community leaders, including District Welfare Officer C. James Ezung, CRPO Advisor Adv Oren Humtsoe, and representatives from Lotha Hoho and the Chukitong Range Pastor Fellowship, also addressed the gathering. The Lotha Hoho pledged full support for the centre’s outreach and functioning.
Delivering the keynote address, Chenithung Humtsoe — a key advocate for the project — shared the long journey that led to the centre’s establishment, describing it as a “dream born out of desperation, but built on hope and unity.”
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