Chandel rallies against drug, substance abuse
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, October 14 2024: In a major public display of solidarity against drugs and substance abuse, Chandel Naga Christian Forum (CNCF), in collaboration with Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) and Naga Students' Union, Chandel (NSUC), organised a mega rally at Chandel district headquarters on Monday.

The rally aimed at spreading awareness and calling for action against the rising tide of substance abuse was flagged off from Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School, Japhou and ended at the children's park near the DC's office complex via Japhou Bazar.

Participants, including students, religious leaders, village chiefs, members of civil society organisations (CSOs), women societies, representatives of Naga tribes, and Chandel police personnel, carried placards inscribed "No to Drugs, Yes to Life", "Stop Alcoholic Abuse", "Save Our Young Ones", and "Drug is Suicide Paid in Instalments" .

CNCF president reverend Shonnai Saka said the rally was organised to dissuade youth from the harmful effects of drugs and intoxicants.

He called on religious leaders, village chiefs, CSOs, and the police, as well as the government, to lend support in curbing the menace of substance abuse.

Speaking on the sidelines of the rally, Zenith Raikham of Gospel Friends expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of substance abuse in Chandel district.

He noted that substance abuse has had a devastating impact on the socio-economic conditions of many families, leading to broken homes.

A particularly alarming trend is the rise in drug abuse among women, and many women becoming widows as a result of their partner's addiction.

Raikham called for strict measures to restrict the sale and consumption of intoxicants throughout the district.

Before the rally, a public meeting was held at Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School, where community leaders and religious figures delivered motivational speeches.

St Peter's Parish, Monsang Pantha parish priest reverend father Michael Koch-uparambil, CNCF president reverend Shonnai Saka, CNPO president D Francis Thamdok Lamkang, NSUC speaker Sh Felix Monsang, and Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) president reverend Dr Sr Onesima were among the speakers, who made the gathering aware on the urgent need to combat substance abuse.

The rally concluded with adoption of a unified declaration by the people of Chandel, opposing use of all forms of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances within the district.

The declaration, endorsed by CNCF, CNPO, and NSUC, highlighted the community's unwavering commitment to protect future generations from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

The pledge highlighted the collective determination to enforce a strict prohibition on the use, sale, possession, and transport of intoxicants within Chandel, and called for maximum support of all tribal unions in the fight against substance abuse, The community vowed to take concrete action, not just in words but through sustained efforts, to combat injustice and safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.

The declaration reaffirmed the community's commitment to ensure that future generations inherit a peaceful, prosperous, and respectful society.

The rally ended with a collective promise to take concrete action against drugs and substance abuse, setting a powerful precedent for community-driven efforts to combat this growing issue in the district of Chandel.

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