The importance of education in eradicating the problem of drug addiction from society was highlighted during the “Anti-Drug awareness campaign” organised by Assam Rifles at Tetso College, Chümoukedima, on Friday.
Speaking at the programme as chief guest, CDR 6 Sector Assam Rifles, brigadier, SK Shukla underscored the pivotal role of education in the efforts to eradicate drug abuse. He said it was only through awareness and understanding that the individuals are empowered to make informed choices and resist the lure of substances that could lead to devastating consequences.
Shukla then urged educational institutions, community organizations and citizens to undertake comprehensive drug education programs, ensuring the youth were equipped with the knowledge and resilience to make healthy choices.
Stating that community engagement was the bedrock of any successful anti-drug campaign, Shukla urged everyone to be advocates, allies, and supporters of one another in this battle.
He added that the fight against drug abuse were not merely a battle of policies and enforcement but a collective endeavour which requires the involvement of every member of the society.
Highlighting the importance of law enforcement to control drug menace, the brigadier asked the citizens to support law enforcement agencies in their mission to disrupt drug trafficking networks and make them accountable for their actions.
Shukla informed that since January 2023, the Assam Rifles has seized drugs worth Rs 4,26,51,500, and informed that IGAR (N) in collaboration with Kripa Foundation and Miss Nagaland, Hikali Achumi have conducted “anti-drug campaign” across the state to increase awareness on the subject.
Pointing out that menace of drug abuse was a global challenge that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, he said the threat undermines the very fabric of the society, tearing apart families, eroding trust, and robbing individuals of their potential. He then assured that Assam Rifles would always stand by the people of Nagaland in their efforts to eradicate the drug menace from the society.
Special guest, Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi said the usage of drugs by the youngsters were more prevailing compared to past decades due to influence of social media.
Achumi called for collaborative action from every right-thinking citizen towards fighting the menace and urged the students to refrain from such indulgence as they are the “future of the Nagas”. She also highlighted the gathering in detail about drug abuse and its consequences on human lives.
In a short speech, Prodigal’s Home director, K. Ela underscored the importance of educational institutions offering counselling and other required assistance to students suffering from substance abuse.
She said educational institutions should not take extreme steps of expelling students as such actions would only discourage them and might led them to become “full time drug users”.
Ela said it was painful to witness part of Naga society being wiped out because of drugs throughout the generation, particularly the youngsters.
She cited several factors of youngsters involving in drugs, such as peer pressure, running away from home to avoid problems from addictive parents and landing up in wrong place and tendency to taste it through wrong influence.
While urging youths not to indulge in drugs and fall into peer pressure, Ela encouraged them to seek help, be equipped with proper information and sensitise those suffering from the problem. She then urged the youngsters to be agents of change and to be responsible towards fighting the menace.
Lauding the organisers for conducting the awareness campaign across the state, she expressed hope that through such kind of programmes, the state would witness a society free of drugs.
A short speech was also delivered by Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) secretary, Shikato Zalipu.
The highlights of the programme included a short movie clip screening on the works organised by the Assam Rifles; Sumi traditional dance by Patkai Christian College; group song by Living Stone Higher Secondary School and Tetso College; dance of seven sisters by Nagaland University and band performance by Rhino Jazz Band. A pledge was also taken by the participants.
The campaign was attended by representatives of Prodigal Home and Bethesda Rehab Centre, and students and staff from various participating schools and colleges.