In commemoration of International Day against Drug Use and Illicit trafficking, the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) organised a drug awareness campaign cum open penalty shootout under the theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention” at Diphupar village local ground on June 29.
Addressing the gathering, District Programme Officer (DPO) for District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS (DISHA), Mecievinuo Zhotso emphasized various issues such as substance abuse among youths and its impact on people, particularly the youth. She mentioned that substance abuse, drugs and alcoholism have significant health effects on individuals.
Mentioning that many youths were affected by HIV and AIDS, Zhotso said that the department was regularly conducting awareness programmes in towns and villages. She pointed out that drug addiction has led to job loss and financial crisis for many individuals, pushing some into criminal activities as they seek money to buy drugs. She further said that Nagaland has five rehabilitation centers supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
To mark the day, a painting competition was organised with participants from six schools and one college. A penalty shootout was also conducted where Christian Mission Higher Secondary School won the first prize. Meanwhile for the penalty shootout, Thilixu FC emerged as champions with United Brothers as runners up.
Earlier the programme was chaired by women co-ordinator DNSU Gaithaolu Golmei, and invocation by Ao Baptist Church Diphupar Associate Youth Pastor Talimoa Jamir. Welcome note was delivered by DNYO president T.Molungba Ao. Short speeches were also delivered by DVC chairman Ghuzui Shohe and DNSU Anti-drugs Committee Co-Convenor Mughaholi Zhimomi. Vote of thank was tendered by DNYO vice president Tongpang Chang and the programme concluded with a benediction by Gorkha Baptist Church Diphupar pastor Gideon Gurung.