Kohima, 26 June (MTNews): In a public address, Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma IPS has shed light on the growing drug problem in the state of Nagaland. Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, he appealed to the drug abusers to help themselves by revealing the drug sellers and help break the nexus of drug trafficking and share information with drug-fighting agencies to help break the cycle.
Elaborating on the complexities of the drug problem, Director General Sharma acknowledged that drug abusers are often involved in drug trafficking and peddling. He highlighted the presence of a well-established network among drug users, which poses a major obstacle for law enforcement agencies.
Sharma highlighted the alarming number of opioid users, estimated to be around 30,000 and the substantial daily expenditure of Rs. 550 crore incurred due to drug consumption. Sharma emphasized that this significant financial burden poses a grave challenge for the state’s economy and necessitates immediate attention.
While Sharma expressed the police force’s openness to cooperation in tackling the drug menace, he cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands. He clarified that any civilian who witnesses a crime can intervene and detain the perpetrator but stressed the importance of immediately informing the police. He highlighted the distorted nature of data on drug abuse and crime, making it challenging to devise effective mechanisms to address the problem. In this regard, he called upon non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil societies to actively participate and collaborate with law enforcement agencies, contributing to the development of better policies.
Director General Sharma announced that the Police have developed an app for the public, enabling anyone to anonymously report drug users and traffickers. He encouraged everyone to utilize this platform and join in the collective effort to ensure the safety, well-being, and health of society as a whole. He emphasized the criticality of intervening at the present stage to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed with the theme ‘People First: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention’ at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on 26th June 2023. The event was jointly organized by the Social Welfare Department, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, NNagaDAO, SLCA, and Kripa Foundation, Nagaland.
Chief Secretary J Alam calls for urgent action to combat narcotics menace in Nagaland
Speaking at the same event, Chief Secretary J Alam IAS expressed deep concern over the prevalence of narcotics in Nagaland. He highlighted that while the state is not a producer, it serves as a significant transit point and consumption center for drugs. The Chief Secretary emphasized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to address this menace effectively.
Chief Secretary Alam stressed the importance of apprehending the kingpins of the drug trade to send a strong message that the government is committed to tackling the issue head-on. He emphasized the need for exemplary action to demonstrate the government’s seriousness in combating the drug problem in the state.
In addition to enforcement and legal measures, Chief Secretary Alam underscored the significance of sensitization and awareness campaigns. He acknowledged that eradicating drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing law enforcement, education, and public engagement. He emphasized that the time for planning has passed, and now is the time for decisive action, both individually and collectively.
Martha R Ritse IAS calls for a compassionate approach
Secretary of Social Welfare, Martha R Ritse IAS, emphasized the significance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, observed since 1989, in the ongoing battle against drug abuse. Speaking on this occasion, she underscored the objective of the day, which aims to strengthen action and cooperation towards achieving a world free of drug abuse.
Ritse informed that according to a national-level survey report published in 2019, there are 6,24,000 substance users in Nagaland of which 1,11,000 users are children and 26000 users are female.
“The Department of Social Welfare is contemplating opening de-addiction centres for females and young boys. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment also aims to open de-addiction centres in all the gap districts for which committed NGOs are required to apply through e-Anudaan,” she informed.
Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign in Nagaland, she said, Kohima, Dimapur, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, and Mokokchung are covered and various activities are being carried out focusing on primary prevention and demand reduction.
Secretary Ritse shed light on the challenges faced by drug users, including the stigma and discrimination they often encounter. She stressed that such attitudes can worsen their physical and mental health conditions and hinder their access to necessary healthcare services. Recognizing the need for a compassionate approach, Secretary Ritse highlighted this year’s campaign theme, which seeks to raise awareness about treating substance abuse with respect and empathy.
The campaign aims to promote alternatives to punishment, prioritize prevention strategies, empower young people and communities to prevent drug use and addiction, and combat discrimination and stigmatization against drug users and their families. Secretary Ritse emphasized the importance of adopting non-judgmental language and attitudes, promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
By prioritizing prevention efforts, providing support and alternatives to punitive measures, and empowering individuals and communities, the campaign seeks to create a supportive environment that helps prevent drug abuse and assists those affected in their journey towards recovery.
President of NNagaDAO, Abou Mere, urges government to prioritize public health in combating substance abuse
President of the Nagaland Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse Organization (NNagaDAO), Abou Mere, highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on the social fabric of the state. He emphasized that substance users often face criminalization, stigma, and marginalization, which further prevent them from seeking necessary health services to protect themselves from HIV, Hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. Without evidence-based interventions and proper scientific support, the complications arising from substance abuse can potentially escalate into a public health epidemic.
President Mere called upon the state government to prioritize public health issues, specifically substance abuse prevention and HIV prevention, including harm reduction strategies. He emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to address substance abuse and its associated challenges. Providing viable options for treatment, mainstreaming and social reintegration of substance users, facilitating access to secure livelihood opportunities, and establishing strong information and support systems were highlighted as crucial steps to prevent substance abuse.
The President underscored the importance of viewing substance abuse through a public health lens rather than solely as a criminal issue. By adopting a compassionate and evidence-based approach, the government can effectively address the root causes of substance abuse, reduce harm, and support individuals in their journey towards recovery.
Mere emphasized the significance of providing substance users with access to treatment options that consider their individual needs and circumstances. He called for their mainstreaming and social reintegration, ensuring they have opportunities for secure livelihoods and a chance to rebuild their lives. Such measures would contribute to breaking the cycle of substance abuse and promoting positive social outcomes.
Additionally, Mere stressed the importance of establishing strong information and support systems to prevent substance abuse. By disseminating accurate information, raising awareness, and offering support services, the government can play a pivotal role in preventing substance abuse and ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities.
NBCC General Secretary, Zelhou Keyho, highlighted that if society aims to be drug-free, it must take proactive measures to address the prevailing drug culture, which he attributed to the overarching culture of greed and selfishness. Speaking on the matter, Keyho stressed the importance of recognizing drug abuse as a disease and sickness rather than solely as a criminal issue. By reframing the issue in this manner, greater emphasis can be placed on providing the necessary support and treatment to those affected by drug abuse. To effectively combat drug abuse, Keyho called for the strengthening of families, village institutions, churches, schools, colleges, and individuals.