Ukhrul NGOs continue mission for drug-free future
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 24 2023: A group of NGOs and relevant government agencies in Ukhrul district continue the mission of creating a drug-free future for the youth.

They recently extended their efforts to Huining Ato village, spreading the message of a bright future without drugs.

A day-long awareness campaign was held at Huining Ato Baptist Church on Sunday.

Jointly organised by Weaker Community Action for Development (WCAD), LWS (SPYM), PASDO, CARE Ukhrul, and SNM in collaboration with the Ukhrul district police and District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU), the event witnessed attendance of hundreds of parents, youngsters, and children.

Speaking as resource persons, DACO Ukhrul Dr Yuithingla Vashum, additional SP Ringthing Hongchui, and WCAD chairman Ngamreiwung Horam highlighted the risks associated with drugs and related substances.

They encouraged the attendees to adopt a positive attitude towards making the society drug-free.

Speaking at the event, Ngamreiwung Horam observed that the drug menace scenario in the district is worsening, with more youths falling into drug addiction.

He cautioned, "If our youth failed, then our society as a whole would fail," and informed about the ongoing mission initiated by WCAD, recognising the need to address the growing drug menace.

"To this end, WCAD has worked to bring together NGOs and relevant government agencies to work towards drug abuse prevention and mitigation, securing a safe future for our youth," he stated.

Ultimately, Horam added that creating a drug-free society requires the participation of all stakeholders, including young people, village elders, and church leaders.

"Drug addiction is a costly vice that compels those addicted, to require large amounts of money and demand the same from their families, leading to violent behaviour against their parents," ASP Ringthing Hongchui said.

He disclosed that the police have been receiving multiple SOS calls mostly related to drug abuse and added that drug abuse is also responsible for the increase in fights and road accidents.

According to the police officer, crime rates are rising in areas where drug use is prevalent, including abuse of legally controlled substances such as alcohol and tobacco products.

Hongchui further elaborated on drug addiction, noting that dopamine contained in drugs is an addictive element.

"This has led to narcotics and psychotropic drugs being banned across the globe due to their adverse side effects, " he explained.

Hongchui related that a child as young as those in sixth and seventh grades often experiments with cigarettes and others out of curiosity.

He also warned that cultivating marijuana or poppy carries a prison sentence lasting a minimum of ten years, alongside a hefty fine.

In her presentation, Dr Yuithingla Vashum cited a common saying: 'Health is Wealth' and added that wealth encompasses all aspects of well-being.

"Drug abuse is a serious problem, particularly amongst adolescents and young people.

With the added pressure of peer, many are vulnerable to the use and misuse of drugs with potentially serious long-term consequences," she stated.

Dr Vashum said drugs are meant for the treatment of illnesses but are being misused by adolescents and youth who become victims of drug abuse.

She lamented that youth are seen as future pillars, but many of them are falling into addiction.

Peer pressure is one factor contributing to addiction among young people who are regarded as the future of society, she added.

She noted that the issues surrounding drug abuse extend far beyond the individual; it creates a chain reaction of social issues such as poverty, domestic violence, theft, and the spread of diseases.

"We must be proactive with our efforts to raise awareness of the risks and the dangers associated with drug abuse," she said, stressing that the society's greatest asset is the health and well-being of the entire population.

She also enlightened the attendees about various preventive measures and methods to help those struggling with the problem.

The programme concluded with an interactive session led by Social Network Model supervisor Vaomi Shangh.

He enlightened the attendees about various preventive aids and the need to promptly seek help from concerned NGOs and the district hospital in case of drug overdose.

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