DIMAPUR: The culmination programme of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), organised by the Social Welfare Department, Meluri, was held on June 26 at the Pochury Hoho Conference Hall, Meluri, under the theme “Drug Free India – Identity of a Developed India.”
According to DIPR report, addressing the gathering, EAC Meluri, Zuchibemo Ezung, cautioned that Meluri district remained vulnerable due to its proximity to the Indo‑Myanmar border, where illegal substances such as opium and ganja are trafficked. He warned that drug abuse among youth not only destroys individual lives but also impacts families and the wider community. Stressing collective responsibility, he said the Church, community and educational institutions were the strongest pillars in building a drug‑free society.
Encouraging students to stay away from addictive substances, Ezung urged them not to hate or isolate those struggling with addiction but to extend love, care and support to help them recover and reintegrate into society. He pointed out that the illegal drug trade thrives because of demand, and eliminating demand was key to ending supply. Concluding his address, he emphasized that NMBA should not remain a mere formal programme but must be translated into meaningful action through active participation of every individual.
The programme also featured prize distribution for the marathon race held across nine wards of Meluri Town and a poster drawing competition among students from four schools-Government Higher Secondary School Meluri, St. Xavier Higher Secondary School Meluri, Christian Higher Secondary School Meluri and S. Pethüry School Meluri. The competition was conducted in two categories: Classes 11 & 12, and Classes 8, 9 & 10.
A pledge against drug abuse was administered by CDPO Meluri, Thorhosie Kajiri. The programme was chaired by Watsüsie, Senior Supervisor. The welcome address was delivered by CDPO Meluri, Thorhosie Kajiri, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Abigail, Supervisor.
Meanwhile, the Niuland District Administration, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Department of Social Welfare, launched the 10 day NMBA campaign at the DC’s Conference Hall, Niuland, under the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan.”
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Niuland, T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir, described drug abuse as one of the greatest challenges affecting individuals, families and society. He said addiction not only destroys lives and health but also hampers social and economic development. Highlighting the theme, he stressed that a developed India can only be achieved when its citizens, especially youth, are healthy, productive and free from substance abuse. He called for collective responsibility, urging educational institutions, churches, village councils, parents, civil society organisations and youth to actively participate in the fight against drugs.
Tikhir appreciated the efforts of the District Administration, Social Welfare Department, DHEW and collaborating organisations for organising the awareness campaign. He encouraged all to become ambassadors of a drug free society by spreading awareness, supporting those struggling with addiction and promoting healthy lifestyles. In his concluding remarks, he urged the public to work together with determination and compassion to make Niuland a drug free district.
Short speeches were also delivered by Manish Bhartiya, DCP Niuland, and Nivi H. Achumi, Programme Manager, WSCDP TI Niuland. A recovering individual shared a powerful testimony on overcoming substance abuse, while a slideshow highlighted the 10 day campaign activities across the district. The programme was chaired by Olive Ayemi, Block Coordinator, CDPO Office Niuland, with welcome note by Benjamin Sema, CDPO Niuland, and vote of thanks by Akito, Supervisor, CDPO Office Kuhuboto.
