Mental health & drug abuse campaign launched in Kohima

Aid Care Trust Support (ACTS), in collaboration with Assam Rifles and the Department of Social Welfare, launched the third edition of its mental health and substance abuse awareness campaign “Breaking The Silence 3.0” at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Auditorium, Kohima, on August 5.
Addressing the programme as special guest, secretary (AHoD) of Social Welfare Department, Limawapang Jamir, said the drug menace transcends borders and generations, impacting families, communities, and the broader society. He described substance abuse in Nagaland as a growing concern, particularly among youth.
Limawapang emphasised the need to dismantle stigma, misinformation, and denial surrounding addiction and recovery. Highlighting the strategic vulnerability of Nagaland’s location near the Golden Triangle—a major opium-producing zone—he said drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic substances pose severe risks.
He noted the prevalence of injectable drug use and rising HIV and AIDS cases in the state, especially among youth aged in their teens and early 20s.
He underscored the importance of a united effort and appreciated civil society, uniformed services, educators, and parents for their continued commitment. He stated that the Social Welfare Department was actively organising programmes across Nagaland under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), including pledge-taking ceremonies in schools and colleges.
Guest of honour, Major General Manish Kumar SM, IG Assam Rifles (North), described the campaign as a movement of empathy and transformation. He said “Breaking The Silence” will travel across northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya to create safe spaces for dialogue through art, music, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Beauty queens from the region—Tadu Lunia (Miss India Arunachal Pradesh 2024), Bahun Nongrum (Miss Meghalaya 2024), Angelia Marwein (Miss India Northeast 2024), and Miss Nagaland 2024 Anon Konyak—spoke during the segment titled “Voice of the Beauty Queens”.
The programme featured invocation by Fr. Innocent Pamei, welcome address by Fr. Dr. Tious Varghese, a special performance by Lizila Jinger, and concluding remarks by ACTS Connect MD, Ainato Yepthomi.