Akangjungla
It is disturbing to take note of the fact that drug abuse is once again reemerging as one of the most crucial social issues plaguing the Naga society. With the rising concern of drug abuse in Nagaland, there are frequent occurrences of crimes in the colonies and residential areas, mostly cases of thefts. It is even more worrying to observe that the profile of drug users is mostly young people. In a press release published in July 2023, addressing a consultative meeting at Jalukie in Peren district, the Deputy Commissioner had informed about growing incidences of drug abuse among school children under the age of 18 years in Peren district. It was reported that the rising cases of drug abuse are primarily affecting school children in the fifth and sixth grades. ‘War on drugs’ has become a popular slogan all over the State, with the government nodal departments along with different stakeholders leading the fight against this social evil.
The idea on the crucial role the church and faith-based organisations can play in addressing this issue has been stated time and time again. The suggestion is not to disregard or discard what the church is already doing on the subject of social issues; nonetheless, it is to emphasise on how the world imagine and trust the church can sensibly get in the business of redeeming lives; it is to reiterate that church does have something unique to offer. It is the confidence of a common man that by leveraging their influence, resources, and spiritual guidance, they can make a meaningful impact in the fight against drug abuse. It is true in the context of the Naga society that the church is the only institution which has easy access to people seeking help for different problems, including drug abuse. This makes it even more important for the church to be willing to help.
The most common contention is that churches are not doing enough. Besides “spiritual counselling” there is a pressing need for the churches in Nagaland to sincerely have a holistic approach towards ministry. To contribute towards fighting the evil of drug abuse in Nagaland, some practical suggestions for the church and faith-based organisations has been to set up rehabilitation centres, sponsor clinical counseling, detox treatment, initiate rehabilitation of individuals struggling with drug addiction through church-operated vocational centers.
Leading the way for many churches, the Council of Rengma Baptist Churches dedicated ‘Thyükeshün: A Renewal Centre’ at Phentejon village located around 8 km away from Tseminyu town under Tseminyu district, Nagaland on November 30, 2022. An initiative of the Council of Rengma Baptist Churches, Thyükeshün Ministry focus on individuals struggling with alcohol, drugs and other addictions to experience healing and physical and spiritual renewal. The centre provides care and counselling, spiritual mentoring, physical, mental and emotional care, and activities for fostering holistic growth and personality development. Likewise, the Khiamniungan Baptist Churches’ Association in collaboration with the Eleutheros Christian Society, Tuensang is working to fight the drug menace, and they are of the view that the problem might be easier to tackle ‘if the local churches invest more time and money on children and youths.’ Two years back in the month of September, concerned with the alarming use of ‘Sunflower Drug,’ street name for inferior quality heroine, particularly among the young populace, Church leaders under the banner of Nagaland Baptist Church Council Youth Department held a panel discussion on ‘Sunflower Drug and its effect on young people today.’ The Council general secretary made stressed on churches opening rehabilitation centres to accommodate drug dependents and engage counsellors to address drug addiction.
As the Naga society grapples with the challenge of drug addiction, along with the government and its functionaries, the church and ‘people of faith’ could perhaps engage and invest more to create a community that would reflect a ‘godly world’ outside the parameters of their platform and building.
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