DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), educational institutions and civil society organisations, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking across Nagaland on June 26 with a series of awareness programmes, pledges, rallies and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening collective resolve against the menace of substance abuse.
In Dimapur, NSLSA member secretary Neiko Akami, addressing students at Tetso College, cautioned against the growing threat of drug abuse, noting that Nagaland Police registered 766 cases in the last four years under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He emphasised the availability of free legal aid through Legal Services Authorities and urged youth to seek help when confronted with addiction or exploitation. CJM cum secretary DDLSA, Atoka Achumi elaborated on the presumption of innocence in criminal trials and highlighted stringent provisions under the NDPS and POCSO Acts, stressing the importance of awareness among young people. Zuchumpeni Ngullie, panel lawyer spoke on NALSA (DAWN-Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation-For a Drug -Free India) Scheme, 2025 with the provisions in the Scheme, and help line.
ZUNHEBOTO: Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA), in collaboration with District Administration, Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital (OST Centre), Social Welfare Department, DISHA–District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS, and Salvatus Christian Society (SBCZ), observed the day.
Delivering the keynote address, District and Sessions Judge cum chairman ZDLSA Phuleto Yeptho, stressed that the message of World Drug Day was not only about warning against the dangers of drug abuse but also about hope—prevention, awareness, education and support can make a significant difference. Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, DharamRaj,in his special address, said drug abuse was not merely an individual problem but one that affects families and communities. He underlined the collective responsibility of families and communities in combating drug abuse, pointing out that prevention must begin at home and be reinforced by society at large.
Easter H. Yepthomi, Retainer Lawyer of ZDLSA, spoke on the NALSA (DAWN) Schemes 2025, describing it as a comprehensive national legal aid framework designed to combat substance abuse. Theme speaker Hokishe Chophy, DPO, elaborated on the core framework of the DISHA strategy, which aims to transition from generalised national policies to granular, data driven district level epidemic control. Vito L. Ayemi, M&E, presented the key areas of work undertaken by Salvatus Christian Society (SBCZ), which operates in public health, HIV prevention, drug de addiction and rehabilitation. He emphasised the organisation’s role in supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening outreach services.
Dr. Mughalu Achumi, Medical Officer of the OST Centre, delivered the vote of thanks. A video on NALSA’s DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Scheme 2025 was screened during the programme, highlighting national efforts towards a drug free India.
KOHIMA: Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) organised an awareness programme on the “NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC), 2025” at Tsosinyu Village Council Hall.
Delivering a session on “Legal Services and its Benefits”, Judicial Magistrate First Class. B. Tsaliba Sangtam gave a brief history of the Legal Services Authorities and explained the three tier system comprising the National Legal Services Authority, State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority. He outlined the objectives of the Legal Services Authorities, the importance of free legal aid, and assistance available to eligible persons under the Legal Services Authorities Act
Sunjib Rana, Retainer Lawyer, KDLSA, spoke on the NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC), 2025. An interactive session followed, during which the Village Development Board (VDB) Secretary, village council members and community participants actively engaged with the resource persons. Queries were addressed and provisions of the NALSA scheme were clarified, making the session informative and participatory. Altogether, 34 participants including one Judicial Magistrate First Class, one Retainer Lawyer and two Panel Lawyers attended the programme.
TUENSANG: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tuensang, observed the day by conducting a legal awareness programme at Chingmei village.
Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Phanglang delivered an informative session on illicit trafficking, explaining its legal implications and emphasising the collective responsibility of society in combating drug related offences.
Panel Lawyer Ayangla spoke on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Thondi elaborated on the role and functions of the Legal Services Authority.
PHEK: Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) observed the day with students of Political Science Departments of Phek Government College, St. Joseph College and Tetso College at the Conference Hall of the District Court Complex, Phek.
Retainer Lawyer, Sekhotso Rokha delivered an informative session on the “NALSA (DAWN) Scheme, 2025”, highlighting the psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse. He explained the stringent penal provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and elaborated on rehabilitation measures available under the Act. Panel Lawyer, Thukutalu Chizo spoke on the “NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024”.
MON: Mon District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) observed the day by organising a legal awareness programme at the District Court Complex, Mon.
Addressing the gathering, District & Sessions Judge cum chairman DLSA Mon, Nokshei Kano, spoke on the significance of the observance and highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse on individuals, families and society. He encouraged participants to spread awareness and support those affected by substance abuse through compassion, counselling and rehabilitation.
As part of the programme, a video on the NALSA (DAWN – Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug Free India) Scheme, 2025 was screened to create awareness about the objectives of the scheme and the legal aid, counselling, rehabilitation and support services available to persons affected by drug abuse.
The programme concluded with an appeal to all participants to stay away from drugs and actively spread the message of a drug free society among their families, friends and communities. The event was attended by students of Mon Vale College, Thamnan Ward office bearers and court staff.
In continuation of the observance, MDLSA also participated in the district level programme held at the Council Hall, Mon, under the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan.” The event witnessed participation from various government departments, educational institutions, the district administration and other stakeholders, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment towards building a drug free and healthier society through awareness, prevention and community participation.
KIPHIRE: On account of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Kiphire District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), in collaboration with DEF Kiphire, organised a legal awareness programme at the Superintendent of Police Conference Hall, Kiphire.
Addressing the gathering, Sentiwapang, SDPO Kiphire, spoke on the “Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985”. He highlighted its objectives and explained provisions relating to psychotropic substances, procedures for entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant or authorisation, forfeiture of illegally acquired property, establishment of the national fund for control of drug abuse, and offences and penalties under the Act.
A Retainer Lawyer elaborated on the DAWN Scheme – Navigation for a Drug Free India, and enlightened attendees about the NALSA helpline number 15100 for legal services assistance. An open discussion hour allowed participants to raise doubts, share challenges and deliberate on issues related to drug abuse.
The event was attended by members from the 11 wards of Kiphire town, various church representatives and student organisations. Altogether, 47 persons participated in the programme.
WOKHA: Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA), in collaboration with the District Administration, Department of Social Welfare, NSACS, Samagra Shiksha and National Health Mission, observed the day with a series of awareness activities.
The programme began with a bike rally under the theme “Ride Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking: Step Up for a Drug Free Future” stretching from PWD Junction to Chukitong, followed by an awareness session at GHSS Chukitong.
In the second session, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Mhathung Tsanglao, attended as the special guest, while District Welfare Officer James Ezung chaired the programme. Theme speaker L. Zachamo Ovung addressed the gathering, stressing the urgent need for collective responsibility in combating drug abuse.
Panel lawyers and para legal volunteers participated in the programme, creating awareness on helpline numbers and encouraging the pledge “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life for a Drug Free India.” Leaflets were distributed to sensitise the public. Panel Lawyer Abigail Lotha also spoke on the NALSA DAWN Scheme and the HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017.
Students of Santsuo School, Wokha, staged a short play under the Nasha Mukti Bharat Abhiyan, depicting the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of rehabilitation.
PEREN: Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) observed the day at Emerald Hall, Peren Town, with a series of awareness sessions highlighting legal provisions, rehabilitation measures and community participation in combating substance abuse.
Ramdihei, Panel Lawyer, PDLSA, opened the sessions with a brief introduction to the Legal Services Authority Act, emphasising the objective of free legal aid and the role of legal services institutions in ensuring access to justice for all.
This was followed by a presentation on the HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017 by Idosile, Panel Lawyer, PDLSA, who explained the legal rights of persons living with HIV & AIDS and stressed the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination.
Panel Lawyer Kewithinwang delivered an informative session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and introduced the NALSA DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug Free India) Scheme, 2025. Pauheugau, District ICTC Supervisor under the District Integrated Strategy for HIV & AIDS, presented on the benefits of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), explaining how OST supports recovery, reduces health risks and helps individuals reintegrate into society.