International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed across the state on Thursday under the common team, “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All!”.
DIMAPUR
DIMAPUR: In Dimapur, the event was observed at IRCA Prodigal’s Home, jointly organised by Department of Social Welfare, Narcotics Control Bureau, Prodigal’s Home, and Narco Co-ordination Centre Dimapur (NCORD).
Addressing the gathering on the theme, senior inspector, Social Welfare Department, Shikato Jimo, urged individuals struggling with substance abuse to be truthful to themselves and to others. He also regarded those who have chosen to change, as the strongest and most courageous of all, and commended the residents of Prodigals’ Home.
“Admitting your mistakes, take pure courage. Be true to you decision to change. Do not walk to the opposite direction”, he urged those users residing in the rehabilitation centre.
While reminding that life’s problems are inevitable for everyone, and that every human being would have troubles until their last day on Earth, Jimo asserted that peace is not the absence of problems, but rather the presence of Christ amidst their troubles.
Pointing that it is never too late to change, he asserted that if they have chosen to live differently, they were already better than many, expressing gratitude for their courage to rehabilitate. Jimo also acknowledged the tireless efforts of rehabilitation centres, who continue to support users despite many challenges. He noted that such centres deserve awards, while adding that the state government should not rely solely on NGOs to provide awareness.
He later encouraged all to become an example for others, stating, “Be someone who can change another’s life through your own life’s transformation”.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by counsellor IRCA Prodigals’ Home, Kinito A. Chishi, serenity prayer offered by Pushai Konyak, welcome note delivered by director Prodigal’s Home, K Ela, special numbers presented by residents of IRCA Prodigals Home, and Tongmeth & friends from Tikvah Centre, Dimapur.
Short speeches were also delivered by a member from Dimapur District Users Network, superintendent, NCB Dimapur Field Unit, Lhunkholal, Drugs Control Officer, NCORD, T Zubemo Kikon, and counsellor IRCA Prodigals Home, T Meren Jaimr. The event also witnessed a “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs” pledge taken by all gathering, while a special prayer of blessing was led by president, Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur, Tovikali Shohe, and vote of thanks by coordinator IRCA Prodigals’ Home, Subotemjen. (Staff Reporter)
PEREN
PEREN: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a district-level observance was held at the Operation Salvage Rehabilitation Centre, Heningkunglwa, Peren district. The event, jointly organized by Operation Salvage, the Zeliangrong Students’ Union (Nagaland), and the Zeliangrong Youth Organisation (Nagaland).
Addressing the gathering as the guest speaker, Principal Secretary for Law & Justice and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, emphasized a compassionate and unified strategy to address the escalating drug crisis in the state. Stressing dignity and evidence-based care for drug users, he encouraged society to prioritize prevention efforts led by families, churches, and communities.
Tracing the genesis of the global observance to a 1987 UN resolution, Sema warned of drug abuse’s far-reaching impacts—from physical and psychological deterioration to crime and economic strain. With India accounting for over 7 crore drug users and Nagaland reporting approximately 40,000 injecting drug users, he noted that the state ranks among the top ten in the country for such cases.
Quoting a 2021 government survey, Sema revealed that around 31% of Nagaland’s population about 6.24 lakh individuals are substance users, including 1.11 lakh children and 26,000 women. Alcohol, he said, remains the most widely consumed substance, with nearly 3.62 lakh users in Nagaland.
Reflecting on his personal experience during the 1991 Youth Reformation Crusade in Kohima, Sema recalled witnessing recovering users battling withdrawal an experience that reinforced his lifelong commitment to abstinence, first pledged to his late father in 1984.
He proposed a multidimensional framework to tackle addiction, including the “4 Ds” (Decision, Discipline, Determination, Divine Help), “3 Fs” (Family, Friends, Fellowship), and “3 Cs” (Church, Community, Concerned Citizens).
Stressing coordination, he called on faith-based institutions to lead prevention efforts through Sunday schools, youth ministries, and community outreach.
Administrator of Operation Salvage, David Perie, delivered the keynote address and described addiction as a “three-pronged disease” involving supply, demand, and harm.
He stressed the need to eliminate stigma, promote early intervention, and treat addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.
“An addict is not a criminal but a victim of circumstance,” he said.
Testimonies were shared by recovering addict Sokvulo Keppen and internationally acclaimed author and poet Anato Swu, both underscoring the life-changing role of rehabilitation.
Short speeches were delivered by I. Tsungrosangla Ao (DPO Social Welfare), Albert Ezung (ADC Jalukie), R. John Zeliang (president ZYON), Ernest Sephe (Zeme Council Nagaland), Dr. Rangro Herie (ZBCC), Thangjamang (Kuki Students Organization Nagaland), and Dr. Ramheigum (MO, FIARTC + OST, Jalukie).
The programme was chaired by counselor Alomy Chishi. Invocation and benediction were offered by Pausamzai Hega and Wichampo Nchang, respectively. The welcome address, blessings, and vote of thanks were delivered by Azubo Dominic (ZYON), Dr. Chilak Pame (ZBA), and Kibouwi Zeliang (ZSUN). A pledge was led by counselor Vini Zhimomi, and special songs were presented by inmates and counselors of the centre. (Correspondent)
NIULAND
NIULAND: The Niuland district administration, in collaboration with the Niuland Police, Social Welfare Department, and CAD Foundation, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Clock Tower, Niuland Town.
Speaking as the main speaker, Director of CAD Foundation, Limhathung Ezung, emphasized the urgency of unified community action to tackle drug abuse. He called for partnerships between churches, civic leaders, parents, civil society groups, and government agencies, highlighting preventive measures, stigma reduction, and awareness programmes as key strategies.
ACP Niuland, Nokin Longkumer, addressed the legal challenges involved in curbing narcotics-related crimes, particularly in a state with vast terrain and international borders. He underlined the difficulty in completely eradicating trafficking activities and stressed the importance of strategic enforcement.
Medical Officer at CHC Niuland, Dr. Rosemary, provided an update on the district’s Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), revealing that over 120 individuals are currently under treatment.
She also spoke about the logistical challenges and resource gaps faced by healthcare providers.
An inspirational message was shared by Aviho Achumi, an individual undergoing OST, offering a personal glimpse into the journey of recovery. A special song performance by Amenli Yepthomi added a poignant moment to the event.
The programme was chaired by EAC Niuland, Vitoka Yepthomi, who delivered the vote of thanks. Pastor SBAN, Kughavi Zhomi, and pastor NCRC Niuland, Puloto Sheqi, offered the invocation and benediction, respectively.
TUENSANG
TUENSANG: In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a district-level programme was held at Town Hall, Tuensang. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare Tuensang, Addiction Treatment Facility, Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), and District Hospital Tuensang.
Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, graced the programme as the special guest. In her address, she emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating drug addiction, noting that Tuensang is fortunate to have a treatment facility where many individuals have shown positive recovery outcomes. She urged society to shed the stigma around addiction and extend empathy, guidance, and support to those affected. Highlighting the role of families, she pointed out that addiction often stems from broken households and stressed the need for active parental involvement. The DC also encouraged NGOs, churches, and youth communities to unite in building a drug-free district.
The programme included a welcome address by District Welfare Officer T. Longlang Luckpan and a keynote address by District Programme Officer, DAPCU Tuensang, Chongshen Chang. A presentation titled “Battle Against Drugs” was delivered by OC Tuensang, Toshi Chang. The School of Nursing, Tuensang, presented a special melody, and a vote of thanks was offered by AFT Counsellor, Sentilemla Longkumer.
The event was chaired by OST Nurse, DHT Tuensang, Laam, and attended by healthcare professionals, students, and civil society representatives.
TSEMINYU
TSEMINYU: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in Tseminyu at the Baptist Higher Secondary School Auditorium under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan initiative. Deputy Commissioner of Tseminyu, Japheth Woch, attended the event as the special guest.
The programme brought together district officers from various departments, school students, and youth leaders to raise awareness on the pressing issue of substance abuse. A collective pledge was taken by all attendees to work towards making Tseminyu a drug-free district.
EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum, chaired the event, while Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kikumsangla Jamir, delivered the keynote address.
CDPO Tseminyu, Menokhrielie, offered the vote of thanks, marking the close of the observance.
KOHIMA
KOHIMA: The Kohima District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Committee marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the NHAK Auditorium, Kohima. The event was organized by the Kohima District Administration in collaboration with Project REST, NHAK Kohima.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, stressed the need for a dual-pronged strategy in addressing substance abuse, advocating for a balance between rehabilitation and enforcement. “Both are necessary—the carrot and the stick,” Buchem said, urging stakeholders to frame a socially conscious and locally rooted approach.
Highlighting that over 90% of drug users are youth, the DC cited international models from Portugal’s rehabilitative strategies to Singapore’s punitive frameworks as references for a balanced response in Nagaland. He called upon law enforcement, healthcare workers, educators, NGOs, and families to collaboratively reinforce both healing and deterrence.
The programme was chaired by psychologist Suyimtenla Jamir of Tele-MANAS, while NHAK Managing Director Dr. Imotemsu delivered the welcome address.
Speaking on “Police and Community Partnership in Drug Prevention and Harm Reduction Services,” Additional SP (Protocol & Traffic) Z. Tshurhosie Kajiri revealed that from 2022 to June 2025, Kohima district registered 81 drug-related cases, resulting in 116 arrests. He noted that these figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual problem, and advocated a shift in law enforcement’s focus toward protection, partnership, and de-stigmatisation.
In a legal awareness session, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Kohima, Kezhosano Kikhi, emphasized the importance of Section 64A of the NDPS Act, which provides immunity for users who voluntarily seek treatment. She also underscored the need for consistency and scientific clarity in the enforcement of the NLTP Act.
Representing the Ark Foundation, president Ketholelie Angami warned of a second wave of addiction driven by cheaper and more accessible drugs such as Shan flower. Citing disturbing encounters with minors and rising numbers of female users, Angami called for expanded infrastructure including women-specific rehabilitation centres and preventive education beginning at the middle-school level.
Highlighting ongoing recovery efforts, Nodal Officer of Project REST, Dr. Sungtimen Jamir, described the work of the psychosocial programme launched in 2023 to aid recovering individuals through free therapy, crisis counselling, and life skills support. He shared that the formation of an Alcoholics Anonymous group has played a key role in building peer-led resilience, with plans underway to launch a Narcotics Anonymous group.
The programme concluded with remarks of appreciation from Clinical Psychologist Rukutuonuo Rutsa and a special musical performance by the AA group under Project REST.
MOKOKCHUNG
MOKOKCHUNG: The district-level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Committee, Mokokchung, marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 with a programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall.
Senior specialist at IMDH, Dr. Kilangwapang, spoke on the significance of the global theme, emphasizing a collective approach to drug prevention and recovery. Brief addresses were also delivered by Tianaro Jamir, president of Waysu Mungdang, and the vice president of AKM, underlining the role of youth and civil society in leading change. A moving testimony was shared by recovering addict Rongsen Jamir, offering a personal narrative of healing and resilience. A special musical performance by Imkum Ozukum lent a cultural and reflective note to the programme.
Deputy Commissioner, Ajit Kumar Verma, and Superintendent of Police, Vesupra Kezo, delivered concluding remarks, reinforcing the district administration’s commitment to coordinated action and ongoing public sensitisation.
Earlier, District Welfare Officer I. Mangliyangba delivered the welcome address, while the invocation was offered by Youth Director of MTBA, Akangtemsu Yaden. The event was chaired by Limatongzuk Jamir of Care & Support Society and witnessed participation from community leaders, government officials, and youth representatives.
MON
MON: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at the Town Council Hall in Mon. The event was organized to reaffirm the district’s commitment to drug prevention, treatment, and public awareness.
Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Wennyei Konyak, addressed the gathering as the special guest, calling drug addiction a global crisis that affects not only individuals but entire communities. He urged officers, civil society organizations, and youth to unite in the fight against drug abuse, highlighting the need to spread awareness and remain vigilant. Emphasizing the importance of goal-setting among the youth, he encouraged them to look beyond government employment and contribute meaningfully to society, both in public and private sectors. OST Counsellor, Ingaupule Thou, reflected on the day’s theme, calling for a shift from punitive approaches toward prevention, support, and long-term recovery. She stressed the need for inclusivity in the recovery process and shared OST data from Mon District Hospital and its satellite centres in Tobu, Aboi, and Chen. From a law enforcement perspective, ASI Latwang of the SP Office Mon spoke on the contributing factors to addiction in the district, such as peer pressure, generational patterns, broken families, and lack of educational engagement.
Representatives from KNSK and Evergreen Welfare Society also addressed the gathering, advocating for a united front involving officers, civil society, and citizens to create a drug-free environment in Mon.
The programme was chaired by EAC Mon, Er. R. Mhao Humtsoe. It featured a special song by Yangman Konyak of the Nagaland Collective, an awareness talk by Sashi Yin of Evergreen Welfare Society, an invocation by the District Chaplain, and a vote of thanks delivered by SDO (C), Mon, Ajit Kumar.
MELURI
MELURI: The District Administrative Department, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Town Hall, Meluri.
Deputy Commissioner of Meluri, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, in his exhortation, urged collective vigilance against drug abuse, particularly among youth. Acknowledging the broader social impact, he applauded the Müluori Shefü Kügharü and the Pochury Students’ Union for their dedication to raising awareness and mobilizing community support. “Let us join hands to ensure Meluri becomes a safe and thriving community,” he remarked.
The programme included an informative presentation by SDPO Meluri, Dr. T. Desela Sangtam, on “Drug Abuse and the Law”, and a medical session by CHC Meluri Medical Officer, Dr. Kelelo Pradia, who discussed “Commonly Abused Substances and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST)”.
A special song was performed by CDPO Meluri, Atusa Katiry, adding a resonant cultural moment to the event. The programme was chaired by EAC Meluri, Pipfusa Pojar, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by S. Thorhosie Kajiri. The event witnessed participation from Anganwadi workers, NGOs, MSK members, local officials, and community residents.