In a concerted effort to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in Mokokchung, the 12th Assam Rifles, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North), spearheaded an Anti-Drug Campaign held at the Town Hall, Mokokchung on 21 November. The event was graced by the presence of the reigning Miss Nagaland, Hikali Achumi, who served as the Special Guest.
The campaign, operating under the theme “Say No To Drugs” aimed to raise awareness and mobilize the community against the escalating issue of drug abuse in the region. The event featured a series of speeches and performances.
Nagaland among top 10 states affected by drug menace – SP Mokokchung
Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Manoj Kumar IPS, addressed the gathering and shed light on the alarming increase in drug abuse in Nagaland. Kumar emphasized that Nagaland, serving as a transit point for drug smuggling, is among the top 10 states in the country severely affected by the drug menace. Recent surveys revealed that 1 in every 4 individuals in the state is either addicted to or abusing drugs, he asserted.
Kumar informed that the police department has intensified efforts to curb this menace, with the confiscation of drugs worth Rs 80 crore in the past 10 months alone in the state. In Mokokchung, over 50 intelligence-based operations were conducted, leading to 32 cases being registered and the arrest of 70 individuals involved in drug use, peddling, and smuggling activities in the past 10 months starting January this year, Kumar informed.
Miss Nagaland Hikali Achumi urges for collaborative effort to tackle drug menace
The Special Guest, Hikali Achumi, echoed the urgency of tackling the issue collectively. She highlighted the multifaceted causes behind drug addiction, including peer influence, family status, financial problems, social media influence, and home environment. Achumi emphasized that drug addiction should be viewed as a sickness requiring rehabilitation and care, rather than a mere offense subject to penalties.
She said, it is not just the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies or the government but every society, church and individual has a role to play in fighting this menace. She acknowledged the contribution of Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo’s (MTBA) initiation of starting a detoxification camp in collaboration with KRIPA Foundation in the year 2011 and said that it has encouraged other churches to follow suit. She appealed for collaborative effort to tackle drug menace.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chumlamo Humtsoe, stressed the need for detox and rehabilitation centers and urged the involvement of churches and civil society in supporting individuals struggling with drug addiction.
The president of Watsü Mungdang delivered the welcome note. Screening of an Anti- Drug Abuse Documentary, dances, band performances, and presentation of cultural and folk songs were the other highlights of the event. Col Rahul Gurung KC, Commandant 12th Assam Rifle, expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks.
The event was well-attended by members of civil society organizations, churches, and schools.