Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 26
Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking by holding rally, procession against drug abuse, framing road map, highlighting drug abuse prevention strategy, rehabilitation for drug users, measure to control drug trafficking etc.
In Kohima, the day was observed at four different locations and it called for a concerted effort to deal with prevention, treatment, supply and demand reduction. Jointly observing the day at Hotel Japfu by department of health and family welfare, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, N- Naga DAO and Nagaland Users Network, Menukhol John, commissioner & secretary for land resource said “Health” is a social issue and the issue is for all of us. “Drug abuse is a disease and sickness we all have to realize that.” Stating that the percentage of drug users have declined drastically in the recent years as a result of the collective effort of all the stakeholders involved, Menukhol said that it is the time to accelerate the process of fighting against this evil. “We have to spread out and start thinking outside the box,” he said also stressed on the need to keep on discussion and club together to draw out a solution.
Khevito T. Shohe, director social welfare said the department is responsible on issue relating to drug abuse. The department has been granting funds to different organizations in dealing with drug abuse. He however said the department is unable to reach out to the interior areas due to lack of fund. In this, the director said the department is committed to change the grant-in-aid system in the state.
Alem Ao, Deputy Commissioner of Excise & Prohibition while talking on “Challenges in controlling drug trafficking” said in Nagaland, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Acts and Rules are mainly implemented by the excise department as the main agency along with other enforcement agencies like the police. The department enforces this Acts in tandem with other State Excise Acts such as Liquor Prohibition Acts and Excise Acts and Rules.
Highlighting various challenges for effective enforcements, he said it require more manpower with matching equipments like motor vehicles and funds to meet related expenses. To get to the suppliers/peddlers, definite information is required from various sources, he said adding that unless networks of informers are used, it is very difficult to detect and arrest the culprits. In this, financial supports are needed including in the form of Secret Service Funds.
He said most of the abused substances in Nagaland are seen to be pharmaceutical preparations. He felt that the pharmacies and medicine whole sellers should be roped in for more co-operations to strictly follow the prescribed norms in their practice and operations in this regard. He also stressed on the need to disseminate information on the evil and ill effects of drug abuse and the drugs peddler’s motives and their modus operandi to the individual, family and society. “This can be done through various mediums including, inclusion in the school syllabus as already suggested by the excise department to the education department, Government of Nagaland,” Dr Alem said. For more effective and extensive enforcement coverage, communities like village councils should be involved to fight the menace in their respective traditional customary ways, as a means to defend themselves, he said. He also stated that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Acts (NDPS) prescribed deterrent stringent penalties with summary trials and convictions, which the judiciary should carry out in letters and spirit with seriousness and sincerity.
Wetsope Krome, SP, (SB) PHQ Kohima termed this year’s International Day on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an opportunity to highlight the importance of addressing these threats through the rule of law and the provision of health services. He said the active participation of learners, educators, school support staff, officials and parents is required to implement evidence-based interventions that prevent substance use/abuse in schools and also to offer the necessary treatment, care and support to those within our schools that abuses substances. He said schools have a critical role to play in improving knowledge levels and the skills of learners to make informed decisions about substance use which can be achieved through curricular and co-curricular means. He also stated that governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities can also make a major contribution.
“We can succeed, if we re-enforce our commitment to the basic principles of good health, a shared responsibility and universal access to prevention, treatment and good support groups,” he said adding that such way will help create communities free of drug related crime and violence, individuals free of drug dependence, who can contribute to our common future and a safer world for all.”
Phurna, NUN and Ketholelie, KUN talked on “Treatment works.” Khriebu, advisor N- Naga DAO acted as moderator of the programme.
Later, a Sub Working Committee with Khevito T. Shohe as convenor was constituted to frame a road map on drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The Committee will meet on July 23 at 10:00 AM.
Meanwhile, the Narcotic Cell, Nagaland Police also observed the day at PHQ Conference Hall while Brahma Kumaris, Meditation and De-Addiction Centre Kohima also organized a de-addition programme and rally to mark the occasion.
Call for commitment towards health issues
Abou Mere, advisor Nagaland Users Network (NUN) said that Nagaland state has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in India; however the state has only five drug treatments cum rehabilitation centre supported by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. While stating that “Health” formed this year’s theme, he said it calls for the adoption of measures that reduce the harmful effect of drug use, particularly on health such as drug dependency, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis etc.
He maintained that Nagaland have dealt with the HIV on war footing and acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by government, NSACS, project ORCHID, NGOs and activists.
“Although we are making progress in managing the spread of HIV/AIDS, there are other health issues that are not getting sufficient attention and commitment,” he said. He stated that the Integrated Bio Behavioral Assessment studies done by ICMR, Government of India, National AIDS Research Institute, Government of Indian, Family Health International and Kripa Foundation Nagaland, indicates that the prevalent rate of Hepatitis C among injecting drug uses in Phek district is 8.7% and Wokha district is 20.8%.
“This is a wake call for us. It indicates that if we do not address other health risks related to drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, our fight against HIV/AIDS and the progress made will do down the drain. We need a collaborated effort of all stakeholders across the board,” Mere said.
He also challenged the gathering to make personal and collective commitment and pledge to address the problem holistically, “and may all our efforts promote health, save lives and create a safer and healthier environment for our youth, our children and the generations to come.”
