Drugs Ruin Individuals And Society Manifold: H Marwein

International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Meghalaya joined hands with the rest of the world to observe International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday. In Shillong, the day-long observation was held at Don Bosco Youth Centre, wherein the Additional Chief Secretary, Social Welfare Department, H Marwein was the chief guest.

The day was organized by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society in partnership with Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya, Manbha Foundation and other related stakeholders. The theme for this year’s observation is ‘Health for Justice, Justice for Health’ – underlining the importance of a holistic approach involving health, human rights, criminal justice and social service institutions.

In his speech, Marwein said that drug abuse or drug addiction is a psychiatric, social and psychological problem that not only affects the youth but the society as a whole.

“Drugs ruin the individuals and the society manifold – socially, physically, culturally, emotionally and economically,” he said.

Expressing concern on the increasing number of drug users among the children and youth, Marwein said that children can easily succumb to the pressures of their peers and friends to turn to these intoxicants for comfort.

On this day, he called upon various organizations to eradicate this menace and emphasized on peacefully addressing the challenges of illegal drugs so that the youths of the State are protected.

Marwein also stressed on the need to hold such awareness programmes in schools and colleges so that children and youth can be aware of the harmful effects of substance abuse.

“Only when youth have the strength to say no to drugs, the purpose of this day is achieved,” he said.

On this day, Inspector K Shabong of the Anti Narcotic Task Force, East Khasi Hills SP Office, Shillong gave a detailed presentation on the facts and figures of drug users and seizures of drugs in the State.

Arbor Thangkhiew, VHAM Prison Intervention Field Mentor, gave a presentation on the ill-effects of drugs.

SA Rynjah, Superintendent of Police (City), East Khasi Hills, flagged off the rally of school and college students from State Central Library premises to the Don Bosco Centre.

Similar programme was also organized by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District in collaboration with Ka Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong, Mawkynrew Area at Jongksha village under East Khasi Hills district. The awareness programme was attended by the Sordar, Secretary and people from the villages of Mawkynrew area.

In her speech as the chief guest, P Suchiang, District Social Welfare Officer, while highlighting the perils of drug abuse, stressed on the importance to educate young children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and the need to provide them the emotional support so that they do not develop the need to turn to substance use for comfort.

She also appealed to parents, teachers and all sections of society to prioritize support, education and protection of youth against substance abuse, and to work together to safeguard their physical and mental health.

The speakers for the day included Seiborbah Warbah, Secretary, Ka Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Mawkynrew Area, representative from Police Department, Counselor, KRIPA Foundation, among others.

In East Garo Hills: Together with the rest of the country, the East Garo Hills Social Welfare Department in collaboration with Chibasal Women’s Self Help Group observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme ‘Health for Justice, Justice for Health’ at Williamnagar Government College on Wednesday.

The chief guest on the occasion ADC Aloysius Ch Marak said that this kind of programme is the need of the hour to make the youth aware of the ill effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking as they are vulnerable to drug abuse and easy victims of human trafficking. He also said that drug abuse among the youth is increasing day-by-day and a comprehensive solution is needed to tackle the menace in our society.

Dr Bibha Rechil, District Malaria Officer, spoke at length about the effects of drugs on physical and mental health while Kennedy Marak, Circle Inspector, deliberated on different forms of human trafficking such as force labour, force prostitution, force begging, etc.

Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer, Novareen Umdor, delivered the welcome and keynote address while Ringring Marak, Counselor, District Child Protection Officer, proposed the vote of thanks, stated a press release.

Also Read: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed