The Konyak Union (KU), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) have agreed to work jointly with the Nagaland Police to combat and control the growing drug menace in Mon district.
The decision was reached during a consultation meeting convened by DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma IPS with the Konyak Union, KNSK and KSU at Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, on September 10. The Konyak civil society organisations acknowledged and appreciated the initiative of the DGP, along with Renchamo P Kikon IPS, ADG (Administration), Sundeep M Tamgadge IPS, ADG (Law & Order), and other senior PHQ officers in convening the meeting.
The meeting continued for more than three hours and provided a platform for extensive discussions on the prevailing law and order situation in Mon district, the increasing influx of drug users and peddlers, and concerns over the district being used as a transit route and centre for illicit drugs.
During the consultation, the Konyak civil society organisations strongly emphasised that the drug menace was no longer merely a law-and-order concern but had become a serious social threat, particularly to the younger generation. The organisations stressed the need for stronger enforcement, better intelligence coordination, preventive measures, rehabilitation and sustained community participation to address the issue before it was too late.
The Konyak Union has been working to revive and carry forward its Declaration on War Against Drugs, launched on September 4, 2019. However, the Union said that as a non-governmental organisation, it had no regular source of income to sustain and expand its activities.
Over the years, the Union said it had submitted numerous proposals to concerned departments and agencies seeking financial assistance, but the response and outcome had been discouraging. Despite these challenges, it has renewed its commitment to the cause and taken the initiative to work closely with the Nagaland Police to strengthen efforts against the growing drug menace.
One of the major issues discussed was the need to strengthen the District-Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) to ensure coordinated and accountable action by all concerned departments and stakeholders. The meeting also stressed stronger coordination among the district administration, Nagaland Police, Village Guards, Mon District Bar Association, churches, student organisations, civil society organisations and the general public.
As a significant outcome, the Konyak civil society organisations and Nagaland Police agreed in principle to work jointly and in close coordination to combat and control the drug menace across and beyond Mon district. A structured operational mechanism and clear modalities for the joint initiative are expected to be formalised shortly through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Konyak civil society organisations and PHQ, Kohima.
The DGP stated that tackling the drug menace required not only strict enforcement but also a collective and sustained effort involving the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, churches, parents, educational institutions and the community at large.
The Konyak civil society organisation assured its fullest cooperation to the Nagaland Police and the government in protecting the younger generation and ensuring a safer and healthier society.
The Konyak Union also appealed to the public to remain vigilant, reject the use and trafficking of illegal drugs, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible information. It said the “war against drugs” and “fight against drugs” must be a collective responsibility and reaffirmed its determination to contribute meaningfully towards making Mon district free from the growing menace of drugs.
