As Nagaland wrestles to enforce Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989 stringently in the entire state, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon, W. Honje Konyak observed that a strong mechanism with effective strategies and action plan was the need of the hour to implement the same.
For this, the DC said state government agencies, churches, NGOs and civil societies should take the ownership of the problem and initiate a joint venture and be the driving force to lead that mechanism to tackle the issues.
The DC was speaking in a programme commemorating the “International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” observed under the theme “Listen First” at main bazaar junction Mon town, Sunday.
Despite various efforts and initiatives taken by the Church, NGOs and state government to implement the Act, Konyak lamented that drugs and liquor was still available in the state as the same was openly available in the neighbouring states and borders without restriction.
He lamented that the drugs and liquor were smuggled into the state by “our” brothers and sisters using various means of transportation.
Pointing out that usage of drugs was not a new thing for the people of Konyak, he recalled the initiative taken by the Konyak Students Union (KSU) against usage of opium and the initiative taken by KNSK against Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL in the district which eventually led to creation of Nagaland Liquor Prohibition Act and which is still enforced in the state.
He then urged upon the students’ organization to take the lead to mould and shape the destiny of the youths who are easily prone to drugs and opium.
The programme was jointly organized by the district administration, DEF, DWO, Excise, 33 Assam Rifles, World Vision India, KNSK, KSU, MTSU, DAPCU, Shamshan Organization and Mon Users Network (MUN).
To mark the occasion, illegal consignments like opium, SP & Nitro tablets, assorted IMLF worth more than Rs. 3 lakhs seized by the KNSK on various occasions were destroyed after the formal programme.
In the programme, Konyak Union (KU) president Manlip Konyak, head mistress Model School Nalini and KNSK president, Lomei Konyak also exhorted the gathering.
Earlier, the significance of the day was said by Dr. Ngampa, MO PMR District Hospital and Anti-Drugs Trafficking Act was delivered by N. Mannon Konyak, panel lawyer MDLSA, while life testimony was shared by Athum of Mon Users Network.
Special numbers was presented by Wanmai and Chahwang of Mon Users Network, invocation was pronounced by district chaplain Rev. J. Tenwang, benediction by KBBB executive secretary, Chemyuh, vote of thanks by additional SP Mon and convenor of the programme Lanu Aier and the programme chaired by KNSK vice president Mongyo.