Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 235/22

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OBSERVED IN SHILLONG

Meghalaya joined hands with the rest of the world to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, the 26th June, 2022. In the State capital, Shillong, the observation was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, wherein the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Prestone Tynsong was the Chief Guest and Meghalaya Minister, in charge Home Police, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui was the Guest of Honour. The observation was organized by the Social Welfare Department, Meghalaya and Meghalaya Police in partnership with NGOs and Foundations and other related stakeholders. The theme for this year’s observation is Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises underlining the importance of a holistic approach in curbing the menace of drugs in the society.

According to the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, Dr. L R Bishnoi, drug addicts in India accounts to about 7.3 crores where 1.2 crores are children between the age group of 11 to 18 years. Of these, 55 lakhs are women. In Meghalaya, there are approximately 2.5 lakhs drug users including injectable drugs and psychotropic substances users. Looking at the present drug trafficking scenario in the State, the DGP said that due to the close proximity to the golden triangle, Meghalaya has become a major transit point for drug trafficking and this has put the authorities on a very high alert to tackle the menace. The DGP also gave a detailed presentation on the prominent drug trafficking routes in the State and the modus operandi commonly used for trafficking of drugs. The DGP informed that the department has come out with a strategic plan by strengthening of infrastructure and having coordination among all stakeholders, besides frequent operations by law enforcers and organizing multiple awareness programme in schools, colleges, villages and towns and other activities.

He also informed that in the past 15 days, Meghalaya Police has conducted a record 142 drug awareness programmes in schools, colleges and other public places across the state reaching out to over 15061 young people. In his address as the Chief Guest, the Deputy Chief Minister said that drug abuse or drug addiction is a psychiatric, social and psychological problem that not only affect the youth but to the society as a whole. Drugs ruin the individuals and the society manifold- socially, physically, culturally, emotionally and economically, he said. Expressing concern on the increasing number of drug users among the children and youth in the State, Shri. Tynsong said that children can easily succumb to the pressures of their peers and friends to turn to these intoxicants for comfort.

On this day, he called upon various organisations to eradicate this menace and emphasize on addressing the challenges of illegal drugs so that the youth of the State are protected. Shri. Lahkmen Rymbui, Home Minister, stressed on the need to hold drug awareness programmes in schools and colleges so that children and youth can be aware of the harmful effects of substance abuse. Only when youth have the strength to say no to drugs, the purpose of this observation is achieved, he said.

The Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Smti. Rebecca V Suchiang, while highlighting the perils of drug abuse, stressed on the importance to educate young children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and the need to provide them the emotional support so that they do not develop the need to turn to substance use for comfort. She also appealed to parents, teachers and all sections of society to prioritize support, education and protection of youth against substance abuse and to work together to safeguard their physical and mental health.

Dr. Pakha Tesia, MBBS, MD Psychiatry Mind and Wellness Clinic spoke on drug challenges from the health perspective and how to address it while Shri. Bryan Wallang, Principal Kiddies Corner HS School, Shillong spoke on Humanitarian Crises in current drug menace. Other programmes of the day included a skit on drug abuse by Kripa Foundation Deaddiction Centre for Juveniles, Mawkasiang and sharing of testimonies by patients of KJPA New Hope Deaddiction Centre for Males, Mawdiangdiang and Kripa Foundation Deaddiction Centre for Juveniles, Mawkasiang. Audience was also enthralled by songs presented by Neil Umwi and Desmond Rimiki Sun, Meghalaya Police Cultural Troupes and Khaki Vibes.

Shri. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department delivered the welcome and introductory speech while Shri. Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare Department offered the vote of thanks. Another highlight of the day was the felicitation of police officers by the Chief Guest.

Press Release No. 236/22

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUGS ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING 2022 OBSERVED AT MAWKYRWAT

The International Day Against Drugs and Illicit trafficking which is globally observed on the 26 June 2022 was observed today at the Multipurpose Hall Deputy Commissioner office, South West Khasi Hills District in which Smti. C. Kharkongngor, Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills District was the Chief Guest. The programme kicks off with a Rally comprising of school children which started from the office of the Block Development Officer, Mawkyrwat and culminated at the Deputy Commissioner Office Campus was organised by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, South West Khasi Hills District in collaboration with the Meghalaya Aids Control Society, Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong, South West Khasi Hills District, ka Life Care Foundation and District Legal Services Authority, Mawkyrwat on the theme, Addressing Drugchallenges in Health and humanitarian crisis.

Speaking on the occasion Smt. C. Kharkongngor, asserted that Drug Abuse is a global phenomenon which affects not only an individual, but the family and society as a whole. Addiction to Drugs is one of the major causes of human distress and anguish and the increase in crime and violence worldwide is a consequent of the massive illicit drugs trafficking She however added that Meghalaya is also caught in this vicious circle of massive drugs abuse which is affecting the young generation. She also informed that we as a state and as a District are not excluded from the use of substance abuse such alcohol, Opium, Cogare Cigarettes, Tobacco etc which has a harmful effects on health. She stated that the World Health Organization have defined it as a Diseases and not to be stigmatised. While expressing concern over the increase of drug users in the district and the state she motivated school children and encouraged them to abstain from substance abuse and to devote more time to their studies and by educating children about the dangers of drugs. In addition, parents and teachers need to be involved in their children lives and teach them what drugs are and how they can get help if they ever get addicted, and to advocate for the welfare of those suffering from drugs abuse. She urged upon all the stakeholders to work together for eradication of Drugs for a healthy children/healthy society and a better and strong future of our future generations.

Shri. B.J. Laloo, Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills District said that drug addiction is a severe problem across the globe. It can start at an early age so in order to prevent drug addiction, children should be taught prevention avoiding peer pressure and making good choices. They should also know what initiates drug addiction, so they dont ever try drugs in the first place.

Miss N. Hashah, Panel Lawyer District Legal Services Authority said that drug addiction, also known as substance abuse is a perseverance phenomenon and negative trend of the society and the excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs can have damaging consequences on the user. Most of the drug addicts are those who comes in conflicts with law, she added Addiction affects not just the body but also on the person mental health and soundness of mind. A widespread disorder ranges from drugs, alcohol addiction to crimes. She stated that addiction is an experience that spirals out of control for others, it is an obsession or even a necessity to get through a rough patch in life any factors can cause drug addiction. One of the most significant reasons for drug addiction is the lack of self control. External factors, such as peer pressure, family history, social pressure, mental health issues, adverse childhood experience etc, can nudge a person to start using drugs. A person insecurities and personal problems can also lead to drug addiction.

She also informed that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act 1985 was implemented with a view to make stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Further, as per Indian law consumption and possession of marijuana is a criminal law and those found guilty can face a jail term upto 10 years along with a heavy fine.

Shri A. Kharkongngor, Assistant Director of Meghalaya Aids Control Society said, drug addiction is the use of drugs over a long period and to such an extent that it negatively affects the person physical, mental, and social life. It is characterised by the inability to control or abstain from drug use despite its harmful consequences or keeping drug use over a long period despite adverse effects how drug addiction is harmful to individuals and their families. This is because addicts will often neglect their health and family to pursue drugs. If a child is addicted to drugs, they are also likely to earn a less desirable reputation at school, affecting their future job prospects.

Moreover, if an addict cannot earn enough money to buy drugs, they might turn to steal to support their habit.rug addiction is a disease that changes normal behaviour. It changes the way someone thinks, feels, and acts when under the influence of drugs. Shri. Tanbor Lyngdoh, Film Producer presented a short Video Clips on Drug addiction, while Shri. R. Marngar a Drug Survivor gave a testimonial to his life.

Press Release No. 237/22

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ON FOREST AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION LAWS FOR JUDICIARY HELD

Drawing focus to the global environmental and biodiversity crisis and the urgent need for conservation, an Orientation Programme on Forest and Wildlife Conservation Laws for the Judiciary in Meghalaya was organized by the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy, WWF India and TRAFFIC India today at the Conference Hall, Meghalaya High Court, Shillong.

Delivering the Presidential address, Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Sanjib Banerjee stated that despite the existence of a number of laws for environmental protection, they lack implementation. While the Earth has been in existence for over 4 billion years and humans for about 300,000 years, the latter has destroyed more than 3million species satisfying their needs. Pointing out the burgeoning tourist industry in the State of Meghalaya, he reiterated the need for plans and policies for sustainable growth of the industry so that the pristine beauty of Meghalaya is not destroyed like other hill stations of the country. Likening human activities to a cancer inflicted on the planet, he stated that intelligence and development has made humans arrogant, making them loses their instinct to cohabit with nature around them. Stating that We cannot fight nature and survive, Justice Banerjee stressed on the need to preserve nature and added that the Judiciary has made immense contributions in delivering judgments in cases relating to environmental and wildlife conservation and underlined the need for environmental protection laws to be implemented.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. ADN Rao, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Shri. S M Sahai, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Meghalaya.