Operation Salvage celebrates 21st foundation day

Operation Salvage, a rehabilitation centre supported by NSCN (I-M), celebrated its 21st Foundation Day at its premises at Heningkunglwa, Peren, on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, member of collective leadership of NSCN/GPRN VS Atem shared his testimony and encouraged all inmates not to give up or lose hope and face the challenges, noting that God was perhaps preparing them for bigger roles.
With many individuals successfully rehabilitated at the centre, Atem exuded confidence that more people would recover and be rehabilitated in the day to come.
Atem thanked all staff at the centre for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice on trying to make the lives of people better. He also assured the support of the NSCN (I-M) leadership towards the Centre (Operation Salvage).
Delivering a brief report on Operation Salvage administrator David Perie stated that the centre had around 115 inmates.
He also informed the gathering that the centre was established in June 2023 particularly for rehabilitation of drug and substance abuse and more so as per the request of parents and others who have been affected by it. The centre, supported by NSCN (I-M), has been assisted in numerous ways and means by various Church organizations.
Speaking on the social stigma, he maintained that the greatest challenge in the fight against addiction was denial that came due to social stigma. He urged everyone to help remove the stigma so that addicts could open up easily, join the centre and part ways from addictions.
Short speeches of encouragement were delivered by members from Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Eastern Naga People’s Organisation and Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation. Former inmates of the centre also shared short messages on how they were able to get through with their alcohol addiction.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by counsellor Atomy Chishi, invocation offered by Chaplain, Peihaudipetpe Whiso, whilst prayer for the staff and centre was offered by DSBC senior pastor S Vitoshe Swu.
Other highlights of the programme included special number by students of Oriental Theological College and a drama by Operation Salvage Brothers. The vote of thanks was delivered by counsellor Haigumheing and benediction offered by ZBCC mission secretary Peihau Haikube.