‘Nagaland must do its part’: Urgent call for drug-free society

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 18

Nagaland today marked 5 years of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in the State at a function held at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) is a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to combat substance abuse in the country.

Speaking on the occasion at the special guest, Nagaland Social Welfare Advisor Wangpang Konyak described drug use as a major public health crisis in India.

He said that numerous drug laws, programmes and various Acts has been framed, adopted and implemented in the country to provide multiple approaches to curbing on the illegal drugs and its use. 

The Advisor said that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989 was a total failure.

He said that NMBA is a mission to address the growing challenge of substance abuse through a comprehensive framework focussed on preventive education, awareness generation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

He said that the abuse of drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances have been destroying human lives.

Stating that India marches with determination to put an end to drugs backed by a three-pronged strategy- supply control, demand reduction and medical treatment/rehabilitation, he said, “Nagaland must also do its part with sincerity and renewed dedication.”

The Advisor called upon all concerned to join hands and work together towards creating human resource development by building a drug free society.

“Together, we can create a future where dreams are not destroyed but fulfilled, where potential  is not wasted by  celebrated and every young mind grows with dignity, pride and  purpose, realizing the objective of drug free Nagaland,” he said.

‘Work tirelessly for demand reduction’
Delivering a keynote address, Limawabang Jamir, Secretary, Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, said that over the last five years, the Department of Social Welfare has carried out intensive awareness campaign across diverse platforms  on NMBA in Nagaland.

“We have seen thousands of young people take mass pledges both online and offline, committing themselves to a drug free future,” Jamir said.

He called upon the youth to be true to the pledge they have taken and stand by their peers, support those who may be vulnerable, and become ambassadors of the message against substance abuse.

“We must amplify the voices of victims,  and their families, end stigmatization, and  encourage those battling addiction to seek help without fear or shame,” he said  and stressed on the need to collectively uphold zero tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and work tirelessly for demand reduction.

Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs 
Dr. Ayangla, Psychiatrist NIMSR highlighted the 5 years journey of the NMBA in Nagaland.

She said that drug-free Nagaland is achievable. For this, she called for joint action of the government, colleges, youth and the community. “Let us recommit to a resilient future,” she added.

Imsutoshi Lemtur, I.O, Narcotic Control Bureau talked on Drug scenario in Nagaland. He said that according to survey cited by a state official, there are about 111,000 children in Nagaland estimated to be substance users and another estimates show about 26,000 female substance users in Nagaland.

He stressed on the need to intensify a pledge “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs”.

Dr. Temjenwabang, principal Kohima Science College also delivered short speech.

The programme was chaired by Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland. The programme was organised by Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.