Nagaland: DGP Calls for Unified Efforts to Tackle Substance Abuse in State

KOHIMA: Nagaland's Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, has underscored the critical need for synchronized efforts and information sharing among various stakeholders, including civil societies, NGOs, government agencies, and the police, to combat the escalating issue of substance abuse in the state.

Speaking at a state-level seminar on substance abuse in Nagaland and its impact on women, jointly organized by the State Women Commission and the National Women Commission (NCW), Sharma stressed the importance of cooperation between these entities. He urged civil societies and NGOs to promptly report any information related to drug financing, trafficking, sales, or consumption to the police, emphasizing that it is vital for appropriate action to be taken against offenders.

However, Sharma cautioned against vigilantism and taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and fall outside the jurisdiction of non-law enforcement entities.

The DGP also highlighted the significance of conducting awareness campaigns within educational institutions to educate young people about the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse on both their personal lives and society as a whole.

Sharma acknowledged the limited availability of rehabilitation centers in the state and called upon the National Women Commission (NCW), Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), and the Social Welfare Department to address this issue and explore ways to make rehabilitation facilities more cost-effective and accessible.

A Asholi Chalai, Joint Secretary of NCW, emphasized that the prevalence and causes of substance abuse in Nagaland are deeply rooted in historical, social, economic, and psychological factors. To address this complex issue, he stressed the necessity of awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, community empowerment, enhanced access to addiction treatment services, and the establishment of robust social support systems.

Chalai further highlighted the importance of mental support, economic empowerment, and early intervention strategies to effectively combat substance abuse in the state. He noted that substance abuse has had a profound impact on women in Nagaland, affecting their health, social status, economic well-being, and family dynamics. Therefore, it is imperative to address not only addiction but also the underlying societal factors contributing to substance abuse to combat this issue effectively.

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